What Are the Benefits of Flaxseeds?
Fish is a recommended source of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutritional benefits, but for those who don't like fish, flaxseeds are a good substitute. Flaxseeds can be added to a diet by sprinkling the seeds on top of food or by taking pill supplements that contain flaxseed oil.
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Source of Fiber
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Flaxseeds are a good source of fiber. They can help to keep the digestive tract regular by relieving occasional bouts of constipation. This is thanks to the capacity of flaxseeds to hold a good deal of water and because of their low digestibility factor. However, too much flaxseed consumption may result in diarrhea.
Skin Benefits
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Flaxseeds area also believed to help improve skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and even skin cancer. The flaxseeds may help soften dry skin, as well, with their high fatty acid content.
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Magnesium
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Flaxseeds contain magnesium, and magnesium can help people who suffer from asthma. Magnesium is believed to help to open airways in the lungs. Better breathing can also lead to a more relaxed sleep at night. Besides being beneficial for troubled airways, magnesium is also a healthy mineral supplement.
Lowering Cholesterol
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Bad cholesterol, also known as LDL or low density lipoproteins, may be lowered by eating flaxseeds daily. The alpha-linolenic acid and fiber found in flaxseeds are believed to work in concert to lower cholesterol. This, in turn, can promote a more healthy cardiovascular system.
Blood Pressure
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Daily consumption of flaxseed oil can help reduce high blood pressure. The oil may also help to inhibit blood pressure from elevating. The fatty acids contained in the flaxseed oil are believed to be largely responsible for this health benefit.
Women's Health
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The flaxseed contains lignans, which are phytoestrogens. Lignans may have a positive effect on women's hormones when the flaxseeds are consumed as part of a daily diet. The lignans are also believed to help reduce the risk of breast cancer in the post-menopausal years.
Immune System
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The fatty content of the flaxseed oil can help boost the immune system. These fatty acids can lessen infections in the respiratory system. Other substances in flaxseeds, such as lignans, may also help lower the damaging effects of joint inflammation.
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