Flax. The Ancient Seeds.

With the advent of technology, a lot of weight loss diet and treatment have been recently invented.

While they are effective and convenient, not everyone has the money and time to undergo these weight loss treatments or stick with these diet programs.

When it comes to weight loss, there’s an ancient approach that has been long proven to be effective.

Sounds interesting, isn’t it?

If you’re not familiar with this wonder food, flaxseed comes from the plant flax. They were cultivated as early as 3000 BC in Babylon. King Charlemagne believed that this food has many benefits so he passed a law which required all his people to consume it.

A few centuries later, flax seed is still popularly used. It is proven to reduce your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Aside from the many health benefits of flax seeds, it can also help you in shedding off those unwanted pounds. Below are some facts on how this wonder food can help you achieve your ideal weight.

1. Treat and prevent symptoms of hormonal imbalances

Though hormones can be tiny, their role in our body is huge. They are responsible for giving orders to the tissues and organs to fulfill their duties and functions. Each hormone plays a unique role and having a hormonal imbalance will disrupt the entire body function.

Common causes of hormone imbalance are exposure to chemical, excessive alcohol intake, menopause, inconsistent sleeping patterns and overdose in painkiller.

Flax seed can treat hormonal imbalance as it is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids help in the production of hormones and help in the creation of healthy and responsive cell membranes.

2. It improves digestive health

Flaxseed can tremendously help in your digestive function if you include them in your diet every day. They are rich in Omega -3 fatty acids and soluble fiber which helps your digestion. The oils found in flax seed also lubricate your digestive system.

How can you include flax seed into your diet? These tips will show you how:

3. Beneficial in detoxification

Flax seed does not only help you achieve your desired body weight but it can also give you a glowing and healthy skin. It’s used in detoxification as it’s a rich source of fiber, minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids — all great aids in normalizing the work of your intestine. This super seed helps in reducing your blood sugar level, eliminating the toxins from your body, regulating your appetite and normalizing your metabolism.

You can create your own flaxseed drink for a healthier digestion and overall health.

Prepare your drink a day before you drink it. Before you go to bed, combine 3 tablespoons of flaxseeds and 4 cups of boiling water. Leave it overnight.

Strain the liquid in the morning.

4. Reduce cholesterol level in the blood

While exercising on a rowing machine helps weight loss, taking flax seeds does not only help you achieve your ideal weight but it can also lower down your cholesterol level.

How is that so?

Flax seed is known to be a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid — a plant derived type of omega-3 fatty acids — that are proven to lower cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides levels. It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps in lowering cholesterol as it prevents the absorption of cholesterol in your body.

Nutrition Research published a study in 2010 where male participants who have a moderately high cholesterol level had shown a reduction of blood cholesterol level by taking 100mg of flax seed every day.

It is recommended that adults shall take 1–2 tablespoons of milled or ground flax seed every day.

5. Increase feelings of satiety

Do you have a huge appetite for food? Do you feel still hungry even if you just finished a whole plate of pasta?

Overeating is one of the reasons why you’re gaining weight. As you help yourself with one more serving of mac n’ cheese, you’re gaining more pounds every spoonful.

Flaxseed will dissolve this problem since it helps you feel full and satisfied for a long time. It contains fiber which helps dissolve unnecessary food cravings. Suddenly, you don’t feel the urge to get up and grab a bite to ease your growling stomach.

6. Stimulate thermogenesis

Thermogenesis is a process where your body burns more calories by producing heat. This metabolic process is essential for weight loss as it increases the calories being burned by your body.

Thermogenesis is often induced by diet, exercise, environmental factors and even drug supplement. Aside from these popular factors, flax seed also stimulates the process of thermogenesis as it contains good fats.

If you want a natural yet effective means of losing weight, then you should try adding flax seeds to your everyday diet. It’s affordable, accessible and most importantly, shows minimum or no side effects at all since it is all natural product.