5 simple ways of incorporating flaxseeds into your diet to lose weight

If weight loss is a major concern for you, then adding flaxseeds can be a great addition to your diet. These nutrient-rich seeds are packed with impressive health benefits, and yes it includes helping you lose those extra kilos.

In fact, not only weight loss, flaxseeds have a variety of other benefits such as managing blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, as well as lowering the risk of some cancers. If you are wondering if flaxseeds are good for  hair, then yes, they help in making your scalp stronger and reducing inflammation.

4 Nutrients found in flaxseeds 

According to Food Date Central, one teaspoon of flaxseeds contains 37 calories, 2 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of fibre. The protein content is 1.3 grams.

1. Omega fatty acid

Flaxseeds or linseeds contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid). These essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body, and balance your metabolism. A study, published in Journal of Food Science and Technology, states that the Omega acids in flaxseeds can helps with cholesterol as well as inflammation in the body. This is why eating flaxseeds is good for you. 

2. Lignans

These seeds are also a great source of lignan, which is a plant compound rich in antioxidants and estrogen properties. This is why they help in weight loss by improving the functioning of the cells that burn fat. The same study, cited above, also talks about how flaxseeds have 75-800 times more lignans than other seeds.  Wondering is flaxseeds good for hair? Yes, they are due to the lignans present in them. 

3. Fibre

The tiny brown seeds also contain fibre, which can help you lose belly fat. Also, if you are wondering are flaxseeds good for constipation, then the answer is yes, they are due to their fibre content. Flaxseeds have both soluble and insoluble fibre. This improves gut health, cites this study, published in National Institute of Health.

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4. Protein

These flax seeds are a great source of plant-based protein and are low in calories, thereby giving your metabolism a serious boost and preventing weight gain.

Can Flaxseeds be eaten raw?

Yes, they can. Flaxseeds can be just eaten out of the bag that they came in. Additionally, they can be added to many puddings, desserts, salads, soups.

Here’s how you can incorporate flaxseeds into your diet:

1. Flaxseeds tea

Add these seeds to your tea, and see how your weight melts away. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

1 tbsp flaxseed powder

Cinnamon

Honey (to taste)

1.5 cups water

Procedure:

• Take one cup of water into a tea pan, and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. 
• Add a pinch of cinnamon and flaxseed powder. Now, boil it for another 5-8 minutes, and remember to stir occasionally.
• Turn off the gas and strain the liquid.
• Add honey, as per your taste. (You can add lemon juice instead)

Your flaxseeds tea is ready!

2. Flaxseeds and yogurt

We know how flaxseeds work well for weight loss, but did you know yogurt is a protein-rich source, which speeds up metabolism and also keeps you satiated for longer? Yes, that’s how it helps with weight loss. And when yogurt is mixed with flaxseeds, it makes a perfect recipe for weight loss. 

Here’s how to make it:

Procedure: 

• Combine powdered flaxseeds and curd in a deep bowl and mix them well. Serve immediately. 
• It is one of the easiest ways to enjoy flaxseeds as a flavourful snack, which is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

3. Flaxseeds drink

This works well on an empty stomach, so drink it right in the morning. It’s a tasty and healthy recipe, which can easily boost your weight loss journey.

Ingredients:

3-4 tbsp flaxseeds

1 cup water

Procedure:

• Take a cup of water into a bowl, and add flaxseeds to it. 
• Let it stay like that until morning.
• In the morning, strain the liquid and consume it first thing on an empty stomach.

Consume twice or thrice in a week.

4. Flaxseeds smoothie

Flaxseeds smoothie is a healthy way to start your day. Adding flax seeds to your smoothie can help you stay full for hours. Moreover, it can help to increase the nutrient intake in your body.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

2 tbsp flax seeds

1 cup of fresh spinach

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup of frozen banana

Procedure:

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Serve it immediately and enjoy your weight loss smoothie.

5. Flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil is packed with several health benefits. It is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid. The body converts these essential polyunsaturated fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and may help with weight management. Besides, it can also improve your heart health and help to treat constipation. Therefore, flaxseed oil can be a great choice to replace other oils in your cooking to benefit your weight loss goal.