5 Health Benefits Of Flax Seeds You Didn’t Know About
Flax seeds, or alsi in India, have been a staple of traditional diets and household remedies for ages and have a lot of health benefits!
Flax seeds, or alsi in India, have been a staple of traditional diets and household remedies for ages. But more recently, these little brown or gold seeds have become popular worldwide as a superfood, and with good cause. With essential nutrients in abundance, flax seeds provide a host of health benefits far beyond being a good fibre source. Though most individuals sprinkle them over smoothies or oatmeal for digestive health, there is a great deal more to these seeds than one can see. Here are 5 health benefits of flaxseeds you didn’t know about,
1) May Balance Hormones In Women
Flax seeds are rich in lignans, a plant compound that acts similarly to estrogen. Lignans have the ability to balance hormone levels, particularly in women experiencing menopause. Research indicates that flax seeds can alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Also, since lignans possess weak estrogenic activity, they might contribute to the prevention of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer.
2) Enhances Skin Well-being And Controls Acne
Another lesser-known advantage of flax seeds is that they can provide healthy, glowing skin. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the skin and provide moisture to the skin. Eaten daily, flax seeds can even prevent acne by maintaining the equilibrium of sebum secretion. Studies indicate that using flaxseed oil as a topical application or eating the seeds can lead to good control of the condition in eczema and dermatitis.
3) Promotes Heart Health
Everybody understands that omega-3s are healthy for the heart, and flax seeds are one of the richest sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3. ALA minimises bad cholesterol (LDL), maintains blood vessel health, and can reduce heart disease risk. Flax seeds also consist of fibre, which aids in controlling cholesterol and maintaining heart function.
4) Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Flax seeds could provide a natural means to level out blood sugar, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Soluble fiber in flax seeds delays the digestion of sugar from the bloodstream and avoids quick spikes. A few studies reported that daily intake of flax seeds enhances insulin sensitivity and glycemic control.
Also Read: Did You Know That Eating Sabja, Chia Seeds Can Actually Give You Glass Skin?
5) Promotes Digestive Health
Yes, they’re famous for fibre, but what you may not realise is that flax seeds also support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Their mucilage content (a gel-forming fibre) not only provides bulk to the stool but also works as a prebiotic, which helps feed the good bacteria in your digestive system. This can decrease bloating, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote long-term digestive health.
For best results, take ground flax seeds instead of whole, since the body is able to digest their nutrients better.
First Published: May 14, 2025 4:33 PM
