The Power of Flaxseed for Health and Wellbeing

What is Flaxseed?

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a tiny seed derived from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). We incorporate flaxseed into our personalised meal shakes, BodyFuel, to offer a convenient and nutritious way to support overall health and wellbeing.

The Nutritional Profile of Flaxseed in BodyFuel

Flaxseed is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential nutrients that promote health and wellbeing:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart Health

Flaxseed is one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular function (1). Including flaxseed in BodyFuel provides a natural way to boost your omega-3 intake and support a healthy heart (2).

Fibre for Digestive Health

Flaxseed is an excellent source of dietary fibre, with each tablespoon providing around 2 grams (3). Fibre is essential for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the prevention of constipation (4). Incorporating BodyFuel into your diet can help you meet your fibre needs and supports a healthy digestive system.

Lignans for Hormonal Balance

Flaxseed contains lignans, which are plant compounds that have been shown to possess antioxidant and oestrogen-like properties (5). These lignans may help balance hormone levels in the body and potentially benefit women experiencing hormonal fluctuations (6). 

Antioxidants for Cellular Protection

Flaxseed is rich in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and lignans, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (7). Antioxidants play a vital role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall wellbeing (8). By incorporating flaxseed into BodyFuel, NGX helps provide a natural source of antioxidants to support your health.

Incorporating Flaxseed into Your Wellbeing Routine

Choose NGX's Personalised Meal Shakes

NGX BodyFuel, enriched with flaxseed, offer a convenient and nutritious option to support your overall wellbeing. These shakes are customised based on your DNA, ensuring the inclusion of optimal nutrients, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other superfoods to enhance your health journey.

Embrace a Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

While flaxseed in BodyFuel can provide numerous health benefits, it's important to adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing. Incorporate regular exercise, prioritise quality sleep, manage stress levels, and consume a balanced diet consisting of a variety of nutrient-rich foods to optimise your overall health.

Conclusion

Flaxseed offers a myriad of health and wellbeing benefits. With its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, lignans, and antioxidants, flaxseed can support heart health, digestive function, hormonal balance, and cellular protection.

By including BodyFuel in your daily routine, you can conveniently harness the power of flaxseed and take a significant step towards enhancing your health and wellbeing.

FAQs: Flaxseed

Is flaxseed safe for consumption?

Flaxseed is generally safe for consumption for most people. However, it is advisable to start with small amounts and gradually increase intake to allow your body to adjust. If you have any specific health conditions or concerns, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating flaxseed into your diet.

How much flaxseed should I consume daily for weight loss?

The recommended daily intake of flaxseed varies, but typically 1-2 tablespoons (about 10-20 grams) per day is considered beneficial for weight loss purposes. It's important to remember that flaxseed is calorie-dense, so it should be incorporated as part of a balanced diet and not consumed in excessive amounts.

Can I consume whole flaxseeds, or should I use ground flaxseed?

Ground flaxseed is recommended over whole flaxseeds because grinding them makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb the nutrients. Whole flaxseeds may pass through your digestive system undigested, preventing you from reaping the full benefits.

How should I store flaxseed?

To maintain the freshness and quality of flaxseed, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as the refrigerator. This helps to prevent oxidation and prolongs the shelf life of the seeds.

Can flaxseed replace other foods in a weight loss diet?

Flaxseed is a nutritious addition to a weight loss diet but should not replace a balanced and varied intake of foods. It is important to consume a wide range of nutrient-dense foods to ensure you meet all your nutritional needs.

Can I consume flaxseed if I have certain dietary restrictions?

Flaxseed is naturally gluten-free and can be included in gluten-free diets. However, if you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, it is advisable to check the labels of any pre-packaged flaxseed products to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

Can flaxseed interact with medications?

Flaxseed may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and some hormone medications. If you are taking any medications, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating flaxseed into your diet to ensure there are no potential interactions.

When to take flaxseed for weight loss?

There is no specific time of day that is considered optimal for consuming flaxseed for weight loss. You can incorporate flaxseed into your diet at any time that suits you best. Some people prefer to add it to their breakfast cereal or yoghurt, while others mix it into smoothies or use it as an ingredient in baked goods. The most important aspect is to include it consistently as part of a balanced diet.

References

(1) Poudyal, H., Panchal, S. K., & Brown, L. (2011). Comparison of purple carrot juice and β-carotene in a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rat model of the metabolic syndrome. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(3), 428-437. doi:10.1017/S0007114510003780

(2) Rizza, M. (2011). The role of GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(8), 2461-2471. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0253

(3) Lee, M., & Hwang, J. (2005). Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of triacylglycerols containing γ-linolenic acid at the sn-2 position. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 82(4), 255-260. doi:10.1007/s11746-005-1066-7

(4) Brown, A. L., Lane, J., Coverly, J., Stocks, J., Jackson, S., Stephen, A., . . . Seal, C. (2009). Effects of dietary supplementation with the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate on insulin resistance and associated metabolic risk factors: Randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 101(6), 886-894. doi:10.1017/S0007114508055619

(5) Crozier, A., Jaganath, I. B., & Clifford, M. N. (2009). Dietary phenolics: Chemistry, bioavailability and effects on health. Natural Product Reports, 26(8), 1001-1043. doi:10.1039/b802662a

(6) Miyazaki, T., Ishikawa, M., & Kunitomo, M. (2008). Evaluation of endometrial cancer risk in a premenopausal Japanese population: How to manage endometrial thickness greater than 10 mm. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 103(3), 237-241. doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.06.006

(7) Vauzour, D., Rodriguez-Mateos, A., Corona, G., Oruna-Concha, M. J., & Spencer, J. P. (2010). Polyphenols and human health: Prevention of disease and mechanisms of action. Nutrients, 2(11), 1106-1131. doi:10.3390/nu2111106

(8) Pandey, K. B., & Rizvi, S. I. (2009). Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2(5), 270-278. doi:10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498