We often hear about flax and how amazing it is… but do we really know what’s so amazing about it and why “health freaks” call it a superfood?
Flax is actually a small annual plant from which we cultivate the seeds and oil for consumption. It has been cultivated for thousand of years!
Here are 3 main reasons why we think flax is an amazing superfood to consume on a regular basis.
1. IT DECREASES HUNGER
Flaxseeds contain both soluble fibers and insoluble fibers. The first ones help slow digestion, which then triggers some hormones responsible of appetite’s control. Therefore it can help provide a feeling of fullness. On top of that, these fibers help your digestive system do its job efficiently.
This superfood is also really rich in plant-based proteins, which also help reduce hunger. So if you have a vegetarian/vegan diet and are looking for a way to increase your proteins intake, consuming flax is a brilliant way to do so!
2. IT HELPS CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR
Studies have shown that people who suffered from type 2 diabetes and started consuming flaxseeds powder daily (10 to 20 grams) for a month were able to reduce their blood sugar levels from 8 to 20%, because the insoluble fibers of flaxseeds help slow down the release of sugar in blood. Hyperglycemia (too much sugar in blood) is an annoying and unhealthy issue; people who have it live with fatigue, headaches, urges to urinate, dry mouth, increased hunger, and so on. Flaxseeds can help you control your blood sugar levels and therefore reduce these symptoms.
3. IT CAN LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Another thing pretty awesome about flaxseeds is that they are full of omega-3 fats. We all heard about these fats, but what do they do specifically? Among other things: they can prevent cholesterol from being deposited in blood vessels of your heart. Studies have shown that flaxseed powder taken daily can reduce cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol (the « bad » one) in a significant way.
An important thing to know if you are consuming or start consuming flaxseed is that it’s better to take it ground or milled. If flax isn’t chewed properly, you will simply undigest it and flush it out of your system. Another great way to consume it is to replace your regular cooking oil by flax oil.?
At DOSE, we just launched our Upcycled Smoothie line that reuses the pulp of our juices, contains 10 grams of plant-based protein in each bottle AND 5 grams of organic flaxseeds.
You can find them here!
Picture 1: https://www.meenusmenu.com/roasted-flax-seeds-recipe-control-weight-diabetes/
Picture 2: Recipe of “Flaxseed Raisin Bread” by Relish
Picture 3: Recipe of “Super-moist Vegan Banana Bread Muffins“ by Kitchen Treaty
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-flaxseeds#section1
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/how-to-eat-flaxseeds-health-benefits-tips-and-recipes-1247569
https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/chemistry/organic-chemistry/flaxseeds
https://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/healthy-living-resources/blood-glucose-insulin/lows-highs-blood-sugar-levels
https://www.self.com/story/signs-of-high-blood-sugar