Flax seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, and many people don’t realize just how good they are. In fact, they are loaded with nutrients, fiber, and essential fats, which make them a great addition to any diet.
Flaxseeds are one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids in nature, and it is cheaper than buying a supplement. They also have lignans, phenolic compounds, vitamins A, C, and E, and a variety of micronutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and iron.
All those nutrients are in a very small seed you can use in almost every food. That’s why in this article, we’ll take a look at the top five health benefits of flax seeds and different reasons why you should start using them more often.
1) Flax seeds can help achieve a better glucose control
Flax seeds can help type 2 diabetes patients achieve better glucose control. They are rich in soluble fiber, which slows down the rate at which empty calories are converted into glucose. This will help you maintain a healthy weight and appropriate glucose levels.
Studies have shown that a 10-gram dose of flax seeds daily per one month can reduce postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels by almost 20% and glycated hemoglobin reduces by 15%.
One of the reasons behind this effect is that flaxseeds inhibit the expression of an enzyme the liver uses to produce glucose. So, there’s no extra glucose around from gluconeogenesis. Flax seeds are also rich in manganese, which is necessary for energy production and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
According to a study published in the journal Ethnomedicine, people with diabetes lowered their postprandial blood glucose levels by 19 percent after consuming 20 grams of flax seeds daily. Thus, it is equally effective to reduce fasting and post-prandial glucose levels.