Flaxseed is currently very popular with a great many people. Flaxseed is used universally – whether in a healthy breakfast or other dishes, it is added everywhere. Flaxseed is now being traded as a regional superfood – due to the nutritional hype of recent years, flaxseed is being sold and used more and more frequently. Many people benefit from this – including the environment, because, as mentioned, flaxseed, unlike chia seeds, is usually produced regionally. Thus, if you buy regionally and organically, long transport distances can be avoided.
But what makes flaxseed a superfood and how healthy are they really? These questions and more will be answered in today's blog post. We will also give you a few tips on how to incorporate flaxseed into your breakfast.
Superfood flaxseed – why they are so healthy
There is a lot in this small seed. They show their healthy properties in a variety of ways:
Flaxseeds support digestion
Flaxseeds have been grown as a crop since the Stone Age and are still valued today for their indigestible components, which help digestion. They swell up when they come into contact with water and ensure that food does not spend too long in the intestines – this also helps to flush toxins out of the body more quickly. Wheat bran has a similar effect.
When taking flaxseed, it is extremely important to consume enough fluids, at least 1.5 litres per day, otherwise you will not achieve the desired effect. In extreme cases, the seeds can even cause the intestines to stick together. However, if you drink enough, you should not experience any issues. Flax seeds do not usually take effect immediately. It takes 2-3 days for the little digestive aids to make themselves felt.
This is how flaxseed benefits our body
The seeds are most effective when consumed with their husk. This is where a number of mucins are found, which are composed, among other things, of the sugars xylose, galactose and galacturonic acid. The seeds also contain a lot of fibre, protein and fatty oil. Linseed oil is one of those plant-based foods that are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
The swelling agents in flaxseed are also excellent for detoxification. They bind toxins and help to break them down. The unsaturated fatty acids – almost 30% (percentage-wise, more than in fish) – are anti-inflammatory, have a protective effect on the heart and circulatory system and support the body's own immune cells. Furthermore, flax seeds are full of healthy vitamins, such as B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E. The lignans contained in the seeds also protect the hormonal balance and can even have an anti-cancer effect.
Do flax seeds help you lose weight?
Flaxseed can definitely help you lose a few unwanted pounds. The fibre they contain and the way it swells in the stomach generates volume that has a very filling effect. However, your blood sugar level will not fluctuate greatly when you consume flaxseed, which helps prevent cravings. The many proteins and unsaturated fatty acids also help to build muscle. The more muscle you build, the higher your body's basal metabolic rate – which automatically burns more calories.
How to prepare and take flaxseed – what do I need to bear in mind?
There are many myths surrounding the correct dosage and intake of flaxseed. However, if you keep a few points in mind, you can't go wrong:
Dosage and side effects of flaxseed
Are there actually side effects associated with consuming flaxseed? It is important to pay attention to the dose when taking flaxseed. You can safely take up to 15 grams three times a day. Flax seeds contain a very small amount of prussic acid. If you want to be on the safe side, you can pour hot water over the seeds beforehand. This kills all unwanted poisons. You should also be careful when taking flax seeds with medication and allow a gap of about 3-4 hours between the two.
3 tips for consuming flax seeds
There are various ways of taking flaxseed. These include, for example, using them in a crushed, soaked, swollen, ground or pressed form, or even in capsule form. Here are our top three recommendations:
- It is best to take the seeds in a crushed form. This allows them to develop their full effect.
- Soaking the seeds is the next best thing. Simply leave them in water and wait a little – they are then ready to eat.
- Our final tip: linseed oil! It is perfect for salad dressings as an alternative to olive oil. It has a delicious nutty flavour – but should not be heated.
Flaxseed for breakfast? A perfect match!
We love flaxseeds – especially for breakfast. Crushed seeds are perfect as a protein topping for muesli or porridge. Overnight oats are also ideal with these little digestive aids, as is yoghurt. Here you can let your imagination run wild and spice up any meal you can think of. Soaked flaxseeds are great for baking bread or you can use them as a vegan egg substitute.
If you have acquired a taste for flaxseeds and are still looking for the perfect topping for your favourite muesli, you are sure to find it in our online shop.
