HOW TO EAT FLAX/CHIA/ALSI SEEDS? HEALTH BENEFITS, TIPS AND RECIPE

HOW TO EAT FLAX SEEDS? HEALTH BENEFITS, TIPS AND RECIPE

Flax / Chia seeds are one of man’s earliest cultivated ‘superfoods’, tracing their history to 3000 BC in Babylon. There are tales of King Charlemagne who made it compulsory for his subjects to consume flax seeds daily.

Somewhere between then and now, the seed got pushed to the back shelf. It’s time to bring flax seeds benefits back up front.

The seeds contain just the right amount of fibre, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and are excellent for your skin, hair and overall health.

Flax Seed Smoothie

Ingredients::

2 Tbsp flax seeds
1 cup flavored soya milk or normal milk
1/2 cup chilled and roughly chopped bananas
2 tsp honey
Garnish: 2 bananas slices

Method:

1. Add  bananas, flax seeds and honey in soya milk, blend in a juicer till the mixture is smooth and frothy.

2. Pour equal quantities of the smoothie into 2 individual glasses.

3. Serve garnish with banana slices.

Benefits

#1 Prevents cancerThe antioxidants contained in flax seeds work like armour, protecting you from cancers of the breast, prostate and colon.

#2 Improves digestionThe high amounts of fibre aid the digestive process by improving the absorption of nutrients, and also keep the stomach full for longer.

#3 Keeps the heart healthyFlax seeds can help lower blood pressure, prevent hardening of arteries and also slow down deposition of plaque.

#4 Lowers high cholesterolDaily consumption of flax seeds can significantly lower cholesterol levels, keeping a check on heart diseases and obesity.

#5 Controls diabetesDiabetics who consumed flax seeds regularly saw a considerable reduction in insulin resistance and also had stabilised blood sugar levels.

#6 Combats inflammationConsuming flax seeds regularly can help fight swelling and inflammation in people who suffer from a deficit in omega-3 fatty acids.

#7 Lowers incidence of hot flashesJust 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds can reduce hot flashes by half in peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

#8 Encourages healthy bowel movementIf the inside of your body is performing perfectly, the result will show on your skin. A healthy, proper bowel movement prevents skin diseases and encourages newer, healthier skin cells.

#9 Keeps skin healthyThe omega-3 fatty acids in flax seeds minimise skin rashes, irritation and redness, and also help wounds heal faster.

#10 Moisturises skin seeds help the body secrete more oil, and keep it soft and supple, making it perfect for your winter diet. Massaging the skin with flax seed oil prevents moisture from escaping and also keeps wrinkles at bay.

#11 Protects from the sunFlax seeds offer protection against skin damage from sun exposure and prevent skin cancer.

#12 Fights acneFlax seeds control the production of sebum that could lead to acne. For acne-free skin, eat 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds daily.
And here are some flax seeds benefits for hair:

#13 Stops hair breakageEating flax seeds makes your hair elastic and strong, and prevents hair breakage.

#14 Prevents dandruffUse flaxseed oil for hair to keep your scalp nourished and moisturised, and prevent flaking and dandruff. After applying flaxseed oil use Head & Shoulders Lemon Fresh shampoo for further dandruff reduction.

#15 Fights male baldnessFlax seeds fight the enzyme that leads to male baldness.

The only downside is that our bodies cannot digest whole flax seeds. In their powdered form, there are many ways you can add them to your diet.

1. Mixed with water, as an egg substitute in baked goods
2. In breakfast oats, cereals, raita and smoothies
3. Add flax seed powder to bring a new dimension to your curries
4. Sprinkle liberally in mayonnaise on your sandwich
5. Edible flax seed oil can be used as a salad dressing

Add flaxseeds to your daily health routine. Buy the seeds whole and grind them at home in a coffee grinder. Store in a cool place and consume quickly for the maximum health benefit.

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