Now awareness of healthy living is increasing. Consumption of healthy food is the main focus. One of them is flaxseed or flaxseed, which has many benefits.
Flaxseed is rich in fiber, good fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron and zinc. These seeds also have antioxidant benefits and estrogen-like effects, thanks to their lignan content. Flaxseed has high calories, which is about 530 calories in 100 grams.
Benefits of Flaxseed
The following are some of the health benefits of flaxseed:
- Lower cholesterol levelFlaxseed is thought to be able to suppress levels of bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein), as well as overall cholesterol levels. However, flaxseed did not appear to significantly affect HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol.
- Prevent disease heart
The nutritional content in flaxseed, including fiber and omega-3s, appears to help normalize heart rhythms and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Recent studies also mention that omega-3 in flaxseed can help lower blood pressure.
- Reduce inflammation
Inflammation, which usually accompanies asthma and Parkinson's disease, is thought to be reduced by compounds alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and lignans contained in flaxseed. The content of flaxseed is also said to prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries, which at the same time can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- Slow down development cancer cells
Based on laboratory studies, the substances in flaxseed appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, such as colon, breast, skin, and prostate cancers. The content of lignans in flaxseed is thought to be able to provide protection from breast cancer. Researchers believe that consuming lignans from a young age can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and increase life expectancy in breast cancer patients.
- Stabilize blood sugar level
In one study, intake of flaxseed three times a day for 3 months was shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. flaxseed regularly for one month can reduce fasting blood sugar levels.
Tips for Consuming Flaxseed
Be sure to consume ground flaxseed, because in its whole form these seeds can pass out of the digestive tract without being digested properly. Raw, unprocessed flaxseed may be toxic. Therefore, cook flaxseed along with other foods to destroy any toxins that may be contained in it. You can add flaxseed to biscuits, cakes, or bread before baking.
However, make sure not to overdo it. Consumption of flaxseed about 50 grams or 5 tablespoons per day, is considered sufficient. Add a spoonful of flaxseed to your breakfast cereal, or to mayonnaise on a sandwich. Flaxseed will also add fiber as well as flavor to yogurt as a snack or dessert.
To get the benefits of flaxseed for health, consume these seeds regularly. But if you have certain health conditions, consult a nutritionist before consuming flaxseed.