Flax Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Sri Herbal Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) are small, brown or golden seeds that have been cultivated since ancient times. Flax seeds have been labeled as ‘super foods’ as they have a high concentration of natural protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds have been consumed for centuries because of their many beneficial properties.

Charles the Great was a great proponent of flax seeds, and is even reputed to have ordered all his subjects to eat them daily. Here are few reasons why:

Flax Seeds have a Large Amount of Nutrients: Flax seeds are one of the oldest crops eaten and cultivated by man. Both the varieties of flax seeds, brown and golden, are equally nutritious. Usually one tablespoon of flax seeds should be eaten, however, if you require more, you can eat more. A tablespoon of flaxseeds is equivalent to 7 grams. This one tablespoon of flax seeds is loaded with not only protein, fibers and omega-3 fatty acids but also vitamins and minerals. Following are the nutrients constituting a tablespoon of flax seeds:

Health Benefits of Flax Seeds by Sri Herbal

1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flax seeds are an excellent plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart health and may reduce inflammation.

2. High in Dietary Fiber

With a substantial amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber, flax seeds aid in digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

3. Antioxidant Properties

Sri Herbal Flax seeds are rich in lignans, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that may help reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health.

4. Supports Heart Health

Regular consumption of flax seeds has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, contributing to a reduced risk of heart disease.

5. Blood Sugar Regulation

The soluble fiber in flax seeds can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for individuals managing diabetes.

6. Weight Loss

Sri Herbal Flax seeds contain soluble fiber, which may promote weight loss by reducing hunger and decreasing cravings.

7. Cancer 

Sri Herbal Flax seeds may improve digestion by relieving diarrhea and constipation. They may also reduce fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes and lower your risk of several cancers.

8. Flaxseeds Can Be a Versatile Ingredient 

Sri Herbal Flaxseeds or flaxseed oil can be added to numerous regular nourishments. Attempt the accompanying: 

• Adding them to water and drinking it as a significant aspect of your day by day liquid admission 

• Drizzling flaxseed oil as a dressing on a plate of mixed greens 

• Sprinkling ground flaxseeds over your hot or cold breakfast grain 

• Mixing ground flaxseeds into your preferred yogurt 

• Adding ground flax seeds into the treat, biscuit, bread, or different players 

• Mixing ground flax seeds into smoothies to thicken up the consistency 

• Adding ground flaxseeds to water as an egg substitute 

• Incorporating flax seeds into meat patties 

9. Flaxseeds and Post-Menopausal Symptoms 

We've seen blended discoveries regarding the post-menopausal advantages (for example, a decrease of hot glimmers) related to flaxseed consumption, with specific investigations demonstrating critical advantages and different examinations indicating an absence of immense benefits. 

Are there any risks to eating flaxseed?

Although flaxseed is associated with many health benefits, there are a few downsides to consider:

• Too much Fiber: Ground flaxseed is high in fiber, and increasing your fiber intake very quickly may lead to digestive issues, including gas and bloating.

• Allergy: Though rare, allergic reactions to flaxseed and flaxseed oil are possible.

• Medication Interactions: Flaxseed may interact with several medications, including blood thinners and antiplatelet medications.

• Hormone Effects: Certain flaxseed compounds may mimic estrogen. Those on hormone therapy or with hormone-sensitive cancers should talk with their doctor before adding it to their diet. You’re also advised to exercise caution with flaxseed if you’re pregnant or nursing.

• Pregnant women and possibly breastfeeding mothers should not supplement their diets with ground flaxseed.

Culinary Uses of Flax Seeds

Incorporating flax seeds into your diet is both simple and versatile:

• Smoothies: Add ground flax seeds to your morning smoothie for a nutritional boost.

• Baking: Include flax seeds in bread, muffins, and cookies to enhance fiber content.

• Salads: Sprinkle whole or ground flax seeds over salads for added crunch and nutrition.

• Cereal and Yogurt: Mix flax seeds into your cereal or yogurt to start your day with added nutrients.

Flaxseed Isn't a Magic Bullet

It's tempting to think of flaxseed as a super food because of its many potential health benefits. But keep in mind there is no magic food or nutrient that guarantees improved health.

What matters is consistently making great dietary choices as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Tips for Using Flaxseed

Many experts believe it's better to consume flaxseed than flax oil (which contains just part of the seed) so you get all the components. But stay tuned as researchers continue to investigate.

For using, buying, and storing flaxseed:

• Buy it ground or grind it yourself. Flaxseed, when eaten whole, is more likely to pass through the intestinal tract undigested, which means your body doesn't get all the healthful components. If you want to grind flaxseed yourself, those little electric coffee grinders seem to work best.

• Milled = ground = flax meal. Don’t be confused by the different product names for ground flaxseed. Milled or ground flaxseed is the same thing as flax meal.

• Buy either brown or golden flaxseed. Golden flaxseed is easier on the eyes, but brown flaxseed is easier to find in most supermarkets. There is very little difference nutritionally between the two, so the choice is up to you.

• Find it in stores or on the Internet. Many supermarket chains now carry ground flaxseed (or flax meal). It’s usually in the flour or "grain" aisle or the whole-grain cereal section and is often sold in 1-pound bags. You can also find it in health food stores or order it on our websites.

• Check the product label. When buying products containing flaxseed, check the label to make sure ground flaxseed, not whole flaxseed, was added. Flaxseed is a featured ingredient in cereals, pasta, whole grain breads and crackers, energy bars, meatless meal products, and snack foods.

• Add flaxseed to a food you habitually eat. Every time you have a certain food, like oatmeal, smoothies, soup, or yogurt, stir in a couple tablespoons of ground flaxseed. Soon it will be a habit and you won’t have to think about it, you’ll just do it.

• Hide flaxseed in dark, moist dishes. The dishes that hide flaxseed the best are dark sauces or meat mixtures. No one tends to notice flaxseed when it's stirred into enchilada casserole, chicken parmesan, chili, beef stew, meatloaf, or meatballs. For a 4-serving casserole, you can usually get away with adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed. For a dish serving 6 to 8, use 4 to 8 tablespoons.

• Use it in baking. Substitute ground flaxseed for part of the flour in recipes for quick breads, muffins, rolls, bread, bagels, pancakes, and waffles. Try replacing 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the flour with ground flaxseed if the recipe calls for 2 or more cups of flour.

• Keep it in the freezer. The best place to store ground flaxseed is the freezer. Freeze pre-ground flaxseed in the bag you bought it in or in a plastic sealable bag if you ground it yourself. The freezer will keep the ground flax from oxidizing and losing its nutritional potency.

• Whole flaxseed keeps longer. The outside shell in whole flaxseed appears to keep the fatty acids inside well protected. It’s a good idea to keep your whole flaxseed in a dark, cool place until you grind it. But as long as it is dry and of good quality, whole flaxseed can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.

Sri Herbal's Commitment to Quality

At Sri Herbal, we ensure that our flax seeds are processed to maintain their nutritional integrity:

• Sourcing: We select high-quality Sri Herbal flax seeds from trusted farmers who adhere to sustainable agricultural practices.

• Cleaning: The seeds undergo thorough cleaning to remove impurities and ensure purity.

• Drying: Proper drying techniques are employed to preserve the seeds' nutritional value and extend shelf life.

• Packaging: Our flax seeds are carefully packaged in airtight containers to protect them from light and moisture, ensuring freshness upon delivery.

By choosing Sri Herbal's premium flax seeds, you're embracing a nutritious addition to your diet and supporting a commitment to quality and wellness.