Why You Should Add Flaxseed To Your Diet

By Erica Bossert


Flaxseed is a superfood that has been around for thousands of years, as it was one of the first domesticated crops. Its original use was definitely NOT related to health as its fibers were used to wrap...mummies. However, it also had medicinal uses later on, such as healing abdominal pain and as a cough remedy in 650 B.C., according to a study in the Journal of Food Science and Technology. Fast forward to 2018, now with much more science-backed research, there is evidence showing even more health benefits to consuming flaxseed. These health benefits will make you want to go out and buy some ground flaxseed today: 

1. Reduces Hypertension: According to a 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of flaxseed on blood pressure, the test subjects who consumed flaxseed every day showed a 15-point drop in their systolic blood pressure and a 7-point drop in diastolic blood pressure. Those who received the placebo (did not have any flaxseed) did not show any change in their hypertension. 
2. Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats help to reduce LDL cholesterol, lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, and decrease inflammation in the body.
3. Protects Against Cancer: The lignans in flaxseed may help in cancer prevention in reducing the growth of cancerous tumors that are more hormone-sensitive, such as breast or prostate cancer. 
4. Dietary Fiber: When consumed with water, flaxseed can work as a laxative and help to prevent constipation. The fiber can also help to stabilize blood sugar and lower bad cholesterol levels. 

You can add ground flaxseed to smoothies, sprinkle it on your yogurt parfait, bake it in different breads, and many other ways. Click here for different ways you can eat flaxseed. 

In conclusion, flaxseed can help to reduce hypertension, lower LDL cholesterol, alleviate digestion, reduce inflammation, fight against certain types of cancer, and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. So many benefits for such a small amount of flaxseedper day!

- Erica Bossert