Why flaxseed should be your new kitchen staple

Flaxseed is considered one of the superfoods. Unfortunately, it is rarely used in the kitchen due to a lack of knowledge about its applications and off-putting taste. It's a shame, as it has numerous health benefits. Why should you consider using flaxseed?

Flaxseed is the seeds of the common flax plant. It can be found in ground form, whole, or flaxseed oil. When soaked in water and left for a few minutes, flaxseed creates a consistency similar to jelly. This product is excellent for digestive and respiratory conditions, but these are not the only benefits of flaxseed.

Flaxseed can be added to cocktails, smoothies, and salads, consumed ground with water, or used in baked goods or oatmeal. Flaxseed oil, added cold to dishes, is a valuable source of vitamin E. It's best to choose whole seeds to maximize their health potential.

Flax contains unsaturated fatty acids that are prone to rapid oxidation, leading to a loss of nutritional value. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase whole flaxseed and grind it before consumption. Flaxseed oil should be stored in a dark bottle, in a cool place, or in a refrigerator. Opened oil should not be stored for more than three months.

It’s worth noting that flaxseed is rich in fats, constituting over 40 percent of its composition, with 60 percent being health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and omega-6 (about 15 percent). Additionally, it is a source of dietary fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pyridoxine, which are B vitamins.

Flaxseed is beneficial for the digestive system and is recommended for reflux cases. It creates a protective layer on the stomach lining, which is helpful during antibiotic treatments. Regular consumption of flaxseed helps regulate bowel movements thanks to its dietary fiber content, which speeds up digestion.

Omega-3 fatty acids and other components

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are helpful for insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and musculoskeletal disorders. They also support the lipid profile and increase HDL cholesterol levels, are essential for proper vision, nerve conduction, and memory processes, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Lignans and protein

Flaxseed provides lignans and phytoestrogens with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It is particularly recommended for women over 50 to alleviate menopause symptoms. Flaxseed is also rich in essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, and valine. These are necessary to produce serotonin, the happiness hormone, and melatonin, the guardian of good sleep.