All About Flax Seeds (Alsi)

Introduction :

 

Flax seeds has been cultivated and consumed for about 6,000 years. Flax seeds are called super food and these days, you will find it in oatmeal and other food items. So many different products with flax seeds are being launched every year across the globe. The seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and fiber. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart, lignans have antioxidant and estrogen qualities and fiber is essential for healthy digestion. 

 

 

 

Flax Seeds or Alsi

First lets talk about nutrition values of Flax seeds:

One tablespoon of ground flax seeds contains the following :

• Calories: 37
• <Protein: 1.3 grams
• Carbs: 2 grams
• Fiber: 1.9 grams
• Total fat: 3 grams
• Saturated fat: 0.3 grams
• Monounsaturated fat: 0.5 grams
• Polyunsaturated fat: 2.0 grams
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,597 mg
• Vitamin B1: 8% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 2% of the RDI
• Folate: 2% of the RDI
• Calcium: 2% of the RDI
• Iron: 2% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 7% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
• Potassium: 2% of the RDI

Benefits of Flax Seeds:

1. Omega-3 fats : If you are a vegetarian or don't eat fish, flax seeds can be your best source of omega-3 fats. 

·        Omega-3 Fats Are Good For Your Eyes, Skin and Hairs.  

·        Omega-3 Fats help in fighting acne and other skin problems.  

·        Omega-3 Fats Are Good For Your Eyes.

2. Flax Seeds Are a Rich Source of Lignans, Which May Reduce Cancer Risk.

3. Flax Seeds are a good source of Protein:

• Protein is a basic requirement of our body to build muscles. If your goal is building muscles then you should add it in your diet as it contain 18% of good quality protein.

4. Flax Seeds Are Rich in Dietary Fiber:

• Dietary Fiber helps to relieve you from constipation problem and keeping your bowel health good.

 

Side Effects of Flax Seeds:

• Bloating, Gas issue.
• Low Blood Pressure.
• Diarrhoea (Due to excess of fibre).
• Eating too much flax seed can cause allergic reactions such as breathlessness, low blood pressure and anaphylaxis.
• Not only this, there can also be complaints of nervousness, abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Blockage can come in the intestines by consuming enough flaxseed without taking sufficient amount of fluids.
• Flax Seeds includes estrogen which is a female reproductive harmone and can cause harmonal imbalance to both men and women.

 

How Should You take Flax Seeds:

• You can consume it in its powder form or rosted form.
• Drink at least 2-3 glass of water after consuming this.
• Make sure you don't consume more than 20 grams or 2 tablespoons of flax seeds.
• Preferred Time of consuming Flax Seeds is in morning empty stomach.

When should you avoid Flax Seeds:

• During Pregnancy : Eating more flax seed can increase the risk of infertility due to these problems.
• Suffering from any kind of medical conditions : Do consult your physician  before adding flax seed into your diet.