8 Reasons Why You NEED to Add Flaxseeds to Your Life

One of the healthiest foods in the world may be one you've never heard of or know nothing about (unless you know or live with me). Over the past year or so I've noticed manufacturers adding flaxseeds to everything...peanut butter, cereal, multi-grain bread, english muffins, and many other popular products. I'm ecstatic that they're finally making their way into the american diet, but I'm still not sold that anyone really has any idea what these little seeds can do for your health. These little, nutty tasting seeds could be one of the biggest health revelations in recent times. For so few calories, they're probably the most nutrient-dense foods that exists. They might also be the best protector of your body's motor, the heart. But they're little seeds...how could they possibly be THAT healthy? Well they are, and here are 8 reasons why.


1. Omega-3 fatty acid content + Anti-inflammatory benefits. Flaxseeds most prominent health benefit is their ridiculously high Omega-3 content in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3s are vital for their anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming Omega-3s regularly can help reduce the inflammation that plays a major role in developing conditions such as asthma, arthritis, migraines, and osteoporosis.

Check out the chart above, it lists the ten foods with the highest % DV content of Omega-3s. Surprisingly, flaxseeds offer more than 1.5x the Omega-3 content of salmon for nearly 1/3 of the calories! If you dislike fish, but still want the benefits of omega-3s, flaxseeds represent a more stomachable and cheaper alternative. Keep in mind they're also a much better source.


2. Heart health. If you're at risk for heart disease or have high cholesterol, flaxseeds may be extremely beneficial to you. Omega-3 consumption reduces the formation of blood clots. Clot reduction is incredibly important in preventing heart attack, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Omega-3s also play a HUGE role in reducing total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Studies have even shown that eating flaxseeds regularly can produce similar cholesterol-lowering effects to those produced by statin drugs. Additionally, flaxseeds are extremely rich in fiber. Diets high in fiber can help lower cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and have been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

3. Lower blood pressure and reduction of hypertension. Flaxseeds' Omega-3 content significantly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.


4. Rich in magnesium. Magnesium can help keep airways relaxed, thus reducing the severity of asthma. Magnesium also lowers blood pressure, promotes relaxation, and decreases one's risk of heart attack/stroke.


5. Colon health. Omega-3s protect colon cells from toxins and free-radicals, which helps prevent colon cancer.

6. Bone health. Inflammation is a major cause of poor bone health, bone turnover, arthritis, and osteoporosis. One of the primary causes of excessive inflammation is higher than normal Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratios. Typical humans have ratios upwards of 10:1, a ratio that is extremely high. Consuming alpha-linolenic acid, the Omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseeds, can help reduce the ratio to an anti-inflammatory level, ideally 2:1. Frequent consumption of flaxseeds can positively benefit Omega 6:Omega-3 ratios and protect your bones. 


7. Prostate health. Flaxseeds have been shown to slow prostate tumor growth. 


8. Very high lignan content promotes women's health.  Lignans are a chemical compound found in plants, and one of the major classes of phytoestrogens. Lignans are a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Lignans are particularly relevant in promoting breast health, most notably preventing breast cancer. One study even revealed a 58% reduction in the risk of breast cancer with regular lignan consumption! How? Phytoestrogen has a chemical structure that's very similar to estrogen, but that don't stimulate breast cells as much as natural estrogen. Because of this phytoestrogens don't cause breast cells to grow, which decreases the overall risk of developing cancer. Lignans also promote regular ovulation, reduce hot flashes, and can help restore hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle (reducing symptoms associated with menstruation). 


How do I get/eat these things? Flaxseeds are available at pretty much any grocery store. One critical thing to note is that flaxseeds must be ground up, much like coffee, before eating. If you don't grind them than your body won't be able to absorb the majority of the nutrients. A coffee grinder or food processor works. Also, do not buy pre-ground flaxseeds...always grind them fresh. Pre-grinding exposes them to oxidation, which can accumulate a serious amount of free-radicals. Ground flaxseeds are a great addition to yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, salad, and chicken. Start experimenting and make them a regular part of your diet.