Golden flaxseed: a great ally of health

Have you ever tried golden flaxseed? Flaxseed is the seed of flax (linum usitatissimum) and can be consumed in grains, flour or oil. In addition to containing many fibers, minerals and vitamins, it is the most powerful source of Omega 3. The benefits of Omega 3 alone, for example, are already very broad: It reduces cholesterol, protects heart and skin, prevents cancer, inflammation, depression and relieves the symptoms of PMS, stimulates memory and accelerates the healing of tendinitis.

This small grain originating in Asia, has been used more and more in cuisines around the world due to the great benefits it can bring to health. It is a functional food, that is, in addition to being natural, it has properties that can prevent and fight various diseases and even assist in weight loss. If inserted into our day-to-day nutrition, functional foods increase the body’s natural defenses, warding off diseases and contributing to the maintenance of general well-being.

Flaxseed properties

Flaxseed is a great source of fiber, minerals and vitamins and is the food with the highest concentration of Omega 3. This fatty acid, also found in dark leaves such as spinach and salmon, reduces bad cholesterol, contributing to the functioning of the heart and other organs.

Flaxseed also contains a substance called lignin, a type of hormone that can fight breast cancer and osteoporosis.

health benefits

With so many good health properties, this grain benefits our body in many ways. Check out each of them below:

Aid in weight loss: According to nutritionist Sabrina Lopes, flaxseed helps in weight loss in a simple, but very effective way: “Flaxseed helps in weight loss because it is rich in fiber. Thus, when consumed with other foods, it helps in the correct formation of the food bolus, slowing the release of glucose in the blood, avoiding glycemic peaks and reducing the use of insulin, the hormone that is responsible for fat storage. When our body has large levels of insulin circulating, we feel a need to consume more foods that increase glucose levels quickly, such as bread, cookies, sweets and cake, thus generating a possible process of weight gain.”

Heart: Because it is a great source of Omega 3, flaxseed reduces the level of bad cholesterol and favors the increase of good cholesterol, helping to protect the heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes: According to some studies, flaxseed controls and can even prevent diabetes. This is because it reduces the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Intestine: Because it contains a lot of fiber, it is a great ally for the proper functioning of the intestines. Its fibers improve digestion and promote the balance of intestinal flora.

Strengthening Immunity: Flaxseed contains a subtype of Omega 3 called alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Research indicates that this nutrient is able to fight inflammation generated by smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. By improving the functioning of the intestines, flaxseed also prevents diseases because it helps in the faster expulsion of toxins. Its continuous use can provide an increase in organic defense and a reduction in the rate of cellular aging.

Cancer: Flaxseed is the food that most contains a substance called lignin, a phytoestrogen hormone that has links to breast cancer and can fight it. This similarity with estrogen also helps fight bone diseases such as osteoporosis, especially around menopause, when the body produces less of this substance.

how to use flaxseed

Most nutritionists recommend consuming 10g, or a tablespoon, daily to obtain the necessary amount of omega-3 and alpha-linoleic acid.

Flaxseed flour:

Widely used for the preparation of juices, salads, yogurts and fruits. The advantage of coming already crushed is that the absorption of its nutrients is faster and more efficient.

Grains:

They can be used in pasta, cakes and whole-grain breads, but the ideal, for greater release of nutrients, is that they are ground or crushed, which can also be done in a blender or even through chewing.

Oil:

Sold in supermarkets, flaxseed oil is rich in omega 3 but loses fiber during its preparation. It can be used in salads and cold dishes and should never be heated or used for frying, as it would lose its properties.

Supplements:

Flaxseed oil is also sold in common or compounding pharmacies, it already comes with the necessary amount of omega 3 and can be a good option for those who do not have time to plan a menu with the grain. Nutritionist Sabrina Lopes warns that this form of consumption should be recommended by a professional who will help in the correct dosage for your body.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.