Flaxseed is a complete Natural Beauty Food. It is also considered as a Superfood because of its rich nutritional profile. Flax seed or Linseed is also known as Alsi, Jawas or Aksebija in different parts of India. If you want healthier skin, hair and nails naturally, then you must incorporate this natural source of Vegetarian Omega Fatty Acids into your daily diet! Flax seeds are popularly known for its high content of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. There are many health benefits of eating Flax seeds. It improves digestion, clears skin, lowers cholesterol, reduces sugar cravings, balances hormones, fights cancer, promotes weight loss etc. Some of you might not know this, but Flax seeds can also be used as an egg substitute for baking recipes. There is so much to talk about this superfood, but here I am going to focus only on its benefits for Beautiful Skin, Hair and Nails !
Benefits of Flax Seeds for Healthy Skin!
Protects Skin Collagen
Omega 3 fats and lignans present in flax seeds protects skins collagen. Collagen is responsible for the flawless, wrinkle-free and smooth texture of the skin. Lignans are antioxidants that also support the immune system and are excellent for balancing hormone levels in the body
Maintains Healthy Gut
High levels of fibers along with lignans and omega 3 fatty acids promote healthy bowel movements and maintains digestive health. Healthy skin is the reflection of a healthy gut!
Improves Appearance of Skin
The lignans present in flax seeds improve the appearance of the skin by reducing the levels of DHT in the body. (DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, is a hormonal byproduct of testosterone that naturally occurs in both men and women. Everyone has DHT in their bodies, but problems like acne and hair loss occur when its levels fluctuate)
Acts as a Natural Moisturizer
The essential fatty acids in flaxseed keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Regular intake of flax seeds increases the body’s natural oil production, keeping the skin baby soft. A daily massage with flaxseed oil also prevents irritants from entering the pores. It also locks moisture into the skin.
Prevents Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory properties of flax seeds have a soothing effect on the skin which heals and protects the skin from the conditions like dryness, acne, eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis. It also soothes red and itchy skin.
Benefits of Flax Seeds for Healthy Hair!
Contains all Essential Nutrients
Flax seeds are packed with nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and omega 3 fatty acids, which are required for the healthy growth of the hair. A daily intake of flax seeds can make your hair healthy, vibrant and strong inside out.
Prevents Hair Breakage
The high amount of omega-3 fatty acids in flax seeds have been shown to contribute to strengthen and fortify hair. It increases hair elasticity, prevents dryness and brittleness making it less prone to breakage.
Reduces Dandruff
Anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties of flax seeds reduce the possibility of dandruff, eczema and other scalp conditions.
Benefits of Flax Seeds for Healthy Nail!
Our nails are a barometer of our general well-being and often act as indicators of health problems elsewhere in the body.
Contains all the Nutrients Required For Healthy Nail
Healthy nail requires B group vitamins, Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Proteins and Omega 3 fats. Their deficiency leads to dry, weak and brittle nails. Vitamin B deficiency especially Biotin produces ridges along the bed of the nail. Lack of iron causes concave and deformed nails.
Luckily flax seeds contain almost all of these nutrients so regular consumption of flaxseed remodels nails and leads to healthy, strong, pink and spotless nails.
How to Consume flaxseed?
Flaxseeds are best-consumed in a ground form (powdered), as our bodies cannot access the nutrients if they are eaten whole and they will pass through mostly undigested. If you are eating whole flax seeds it is better to chew them thoroughly.
It is best to grind flax seeds immediately before eating them so they will not be exposed to air. This way nutrients in it will be preserved. You can make use of a coffee grinder to grind the flax seeds.
Ways to Incorporate Flaxseed in Your Daily Diet
Flaxseeds are often used as an egg substitute in baking recipes. The soluble fiber in this seed adds structure to the cake and muffins.
Sprinkle ground flaxseeds over oats, cereals, yogurt, and smoothies.
You can cook flaxseeds in your favorite dishes like curries as it does not have any particular taste to it so it will go with any dish. Use 4 to 8 tablespoons of flaxseeds in a dish serving 6 to 8 people.
It also goes well with Indian dosa, chapati dough, buttermilk, chutney and upma. Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to your cheese spread or mayonnaise when making a sandwich.
Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to your cheese spread or mayonnaise when making a sandwich.
Precautions
Overeating of flax seeds is not recommended. Doctors recommend maximum 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds for daily consumption.
Flaxseeds may block the normal absorption of medicines. Take medicines an hour or two before consuming flax seeds. The seed and oil may react with painkillers, blood thinners, and medicines for high blood pressure.
Never eat unripe or raw flaxseed, as it could be poisonous. Make sure they are ripe.
Always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes if you have any medical condition.
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