Health & Life

“Superior in Omega-3 Than Salmon, These Seeds Are Said to Be the ‘Miracle’ for Lowering Cholesterol and Controlling Blood Sugar”

For those looking to lose weight, this particular seed can be considered a lifesaver. Furthermore, it aids in preventing cancer and is beneficial for heart health.

Administrator

22 February, 2024

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Alongside salmon, nuts are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, providing numerous benefits for the body and brain. And one type of nut that is extremely high in omega-3 is flaxseeds. Each serving of flaxseeds contains 2,350mg of omega-3, more than the amount of omega-3 in a serving of salmon.

Good for heart health, reduces cholesterol

Flaxseeds contain omega-3 ALA, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels. A diet rich in omega-3 ALA is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and death from heart disease. Studies have shown that consuming flaxseeds or flaxseed oil daily can lower cholesterol levels by 6-11%.

With high levels of fiber and lignans, flaxseeds have the ability to lower cholesterol. They also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Prevents cancer

Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, a plant compound that has strong anti-cancer properties.

Research has shown that consuming flaxseeds can reduce the risk of breast cancer. The preventive effects on other types of cancer such as lung cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, and colorectal cancer are still being studied.

Aids digestion and weight loss

Thanks to their high fiber content, flaxseeds have the ability to support digestive health, promote bowel movement, and prevent constipation. ALA in flaxseeds helps protect the digestive tract lining, reducing inflammation. Flaxseeds also help you feel full and reduce cravings due to their high fiber content. This prevents overeating and subsequent weight gain.

Studies have shown that those who lost the most weight maintained a diet supplementing flaxseeds for 12 weeks and consuming about 30g per day.

Controls blood sugar levels

Research has shown that flaxseeds can lower blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance due to their soluble fiber content. They slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, thereby stabilizing blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

In people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with 10-20g of ground flaxseed powder per day for 1-2 months has been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 19.7%.

Notes when consuming flaxseeds

There are currently no specific recommendations for daily flaxseed consumption, but 1-2 tablespoons (about 8-16g) or up to 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil is considered a sufficient amount to provide health benefits. Consuming too many flaxseeds can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and difficulty in digestion.

Frequently asked questions

The article refers to chia seeds, which are said to be superior to salmon in terms of omega-3 content. These seeds are known for their ability to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and protein.

Chia seeds are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. ALA has been shown to have beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, helping to raise HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) and lower LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol). Additionally, the soluble fiber in chia seeds forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, thereby helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Yes, chia seeds offer a range of additional health benefits. They are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage and reduce inflammation. The high fiber content of chia seeds can also aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut. Additionally, chia seeds are a complete protein source, containing all the essential amino acids, which is rare for a plant-based food.

Chia seeds have a mild flavor and can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes. You can add them to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or salad dressings. They can also be used as an egg replacement in baking, or simply mixed with water and drunk as a gel. It’s recommended to soak chia seeds before consuming them, as this helps improve digestion and absorption of the nutrients.

While chia seeds are generally considered safe for most people, excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues such as bloating or gas. It is always advisable to introduce new foods gradually and in moderate amounts to allow your body to adjust. Additionally, those on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before consuming large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.