Introduction

Flax Seeds are seeds also known as linseeds (or Alsi seeds in hindi). They are rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, Vitamin B1 and essential fatty acid alpha- linolenic acid also known as omega-3. They are low in cholesterol and sodium also. They are the best source of omega-3 for vegetarians as one table spoon (5 gm) contains approx 1.8 gm of plant omega-3.

Health benefits of Flaxseeds

• They act as natural laxative as they are good source of fibers of two types soluble and insoluble. Both of which have different functions in the body as soluble fibers gets mix with water and forms gel like substance that helps in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels. And insoluble fiber adds bulk to the digestive tract and helps in bowel movements.
• Its fiber also contains lignans that have both plant phytoestrogen and antioxidant properties which scavenge free radicals and prevent body from chronic degenerative diseases and estrogens dependent cancers i.e. breast cancer.
• Flaxseeds are good source of magnesium that helps to decrease insulin resistance and protect body against diabetes.
• Flaxseeds also prevents postmenopausal women from heart disease as they are rich in estrogens that helps in keeping heart healthy and also decreases the attacks of hot flashes among postmenopausal women.
• Flaxseeds are good in omega-3 fatty acids that provides essential fatty acids which our body could not produce themselves that prevents the growth of cancerous cells and disrupt malignant cells from moving to other parts of the body cells.
• Flax Seeds also helps in protecting skin tissues from harmful radiation as they are strong antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties both work in protecting skin from harmful radiations.