Flax linseeds as a health food

Flax fibres are amongst the oldest fibre crops in the world. Flax is grown for its use as an edible oil, as a nutritional supplement.

Flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fibre as well as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels, although with differing results in terms of gender.

Due to a number of benefits derived from its consumption, they are called magic seeds.

The following are some of the benefits:
-  Helps in losing weight, boosts energy and vitality, relieves muscle soreness.
- Improves utilization of oxygen.
-  Presence of Omega-3 acts as an anti-depressant.
-  Reduces formation of blood clots.
-  Eases problems related to menopause and PMS.
-  Lowers cholesterol levels.
-  Stabilizes blood pressure.
-  Controls blood sugar levels.
-  Soothes inflammatory tissue conditions like arthritis.
-  Acts as internal moisturizer in combating dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.
-  Builds and strengthens immunity.
-  Enhances kidneys to expel water and sodium.
-  Helps with attention deficit disorder.
-  Acts a natural laxative.

 Flax seeds are something that should be compulsorily included in our daily diet. Remedial benefits of flax linseeds work best when consumed uncooked. If munching the tasteless seeds seems bland, here are some interesting ways to consume them.

They can be added as they are or in powdered form to the following things: juices, mocktails of your choice, lassi, jaljeera, sherbets or any cold milk preparations.

You can add it to practically anything that you can drink cold or without heating, like ice-creams and any desserts that can be had at room temperature. This inludes even cold chaats and bhel puri.

The best thing about including flax linseeds, is that they add to the crunchiness! So, it doesn’t just stop there. You may add flax seeds to raithas, dahi-wada, vegetable salads, fruit salads, sandwiches, mixtures (Chiwda) and fried snacks like sev, fried moong dal, dhoklas, and spreads / chutneys / dips.