Flax Seeds : Reasons to Eat Them and How to Use Them

"Flax seeds have so many wonderful health properties, it’s hard not to fall in love with these crunchy little seeds. Here are just 8 reasons why you should incorporate them into your diet:

1. Say Hello To Smoother Skin And Glossy Hair.
Healthy fats, B vitamins, and an array of minerals in flax seeds help your hair and skin stay in gorgeous condition. A tablespoon or two a day can help to reduce redness and flakiness, improve acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Try using flax seed oil as a body moisturizer post-shower to nourish your skin from the outside in! 

2. Reduce Your Breast, Ovarian And Endometrial Cancer Risk.

It’s all in the magical nutrients called lignins. They’re one of the richest sources of lignans available, possessing amazing healing powers.
Researchers believe consuming flax seeds regularly can reduce your risk of breast cancer, endometrial and ovarian cancer, due to the three lignans found in flax seeds being converted by intestinal bacteria into enterolactone and enterodiol, which naturally helps to balance hormones.

3. You’ll Absorb More Nutrients From Your Food.
Flax seeds are like nature’s gum. They contain high levels of mucilage gum, which is amazing for your gut! It helps to keep food in the stomach longer which can help increase nutrient absorption.
Plus, the water-soluble gum helps to soothe the lining of the gut, remove toxins and eliminate waste. So you get more of the good stuff, and less of the nasties your body doesn’t need!

4. You Won’t Crave Seconds.
The rich fiber content and a healthy dose of fats means you’re going to get full quick! The soluble fiber also swells in your digestive system by absorbing liquids and helps you stay full for longer.
The healthy fat content will also keep you satiated, so add some seeds to your salads, ground flax to baked goods, and ground flax to your smoothies - you’ll be energized and satisfied for hours!

5. It Keeps Your Cholesterol Levels In Check.
Adding flax seeds to your meals can help keep you manage your cholesterol levels. The seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which helps to trap fat and cholesterol in your digestive system, and passes it through your system, instead of getting stuck where it shouldn’t!
Soluble fiber also traps bile, which is made from cholesterol in the gallbladder. When the bile gets trapped, it passes through the digestive system, so your body has to make more. This helps to use up excess cholesterol in the blood, lowering your levels.

6. They Help To Manage Female Hormones.
It’s those lignans again! The fiber-related plant compounds not only give us a dose of antioxidants but also act as phytoestrogens.
The balancing effect on female hormones suggests it may also be useful as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy due to their estrogenic properties. Plus they can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
For those of you not going through menopause yet, they can also help to regulate your menstruation cycle. Bonus!

7. Gluten-Free? No Problem! They Make A Great Flour Substitute.
Using ground flax is a great way to naturally replace gluten-containing flours for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or simply looking for healthy alternatives! Flax is naturally anti-inflammatory and is multipurpose in baking. Try Lee's delicious Chia & Flaxseed Loaf to start reaping the benefits.

8. They’ll Help You Go...
Awkward bathroom moments will be gone with the help of your new flaxseed friends! Rich in fiber, flax seeds help to cleanse your colon, pushing through toxins and food stuff, making it easier if you’re having trouble in the bathroom.
Just don’t overdo it, as too much fiber can actually cause bloating and discomfort, making things worse instead. Start with 1-2 tablespoons a day and drink plenty of water!

How To Use Flax Seeds Every Day.

If you’re not too sure how to go about including more flax seeds into your daily diet, try these healthy ideas:

• Blend some flax seeds into your smoothie

• Mix into your salad

• Add a teaspoon or two of flax meal to your bliss balls
• Sprinkle a teaspoon or so over your next raw pasta dish
• Add to salad dressings or condiments
• Bake into crackers, cookies, muffins, or bread
• Or use as a vegan egg substitute in baking "

Above article by Laurentine, with additional links, can be read here

... and why not try this lovely flaxseed loaf

see recipe here

All the best Jan