Flaxseed For Weight Loss – Benefits and How To Use It?

Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Robert Dowling

Now that people are becoming more health-conscious, they prefer to consume foods and grains that are loaded with health benefits. The rise of healthy foods has increased the demand for seeds, nuts, and whole grains. People are using flaxseed because it provides ample health benefits. Many people use flaxseed for weight loss. However, others may use it for plenty of other benefits.

In this article, you will learn about flaxseeds, their benefits, how they help with weight loss, what the possible side effects are, and more.

Flaxseed For Weight Loss: An Overview

Before heading to the topic, first of all, let’s understand what flaxseed is. Flaxseed is obtained from the flax plant. Flax is widely grown in the countries of Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. These are reddish-brown to golden-yellow. Nowadays, flaxseed is used as flaxseed oil or flaxseed meal.

Interestingly, flaxseed contributes to weight loss. But keep in mind that flaxseed is not a magical seed; it will not work by itself; for best results, combine it with a weight-loss diet and exercise.

These seeds are full of fiber and a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Due to the high fiber content in flaxseed, it will make you feel full for long hours, reduce calorie intake and thereby help to manage weight loss. It will also suppress your appetite and help you control your carving.

Flaxseed is not magic, but it works magically on weight loss. If you feel uncontrollable hunger, flaxseed helps you satisfy your hunger by triggering appetite, slowing digestion, and other hormones that increase the feeling of hunger.

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds trigger auto-immune diseases, and kick-start the weight loss process. Flaxseed and weight loss are connected. Several clinical studies show that people consuming flaxseed lose weight easily and quickly.

Flaxseed Health Benefits

In this section, we have covered numerous health benefits of flaxseed. Flaxseed is considered a superfood. It is extremely popular for its health benefits. Right below, we have mentioned flaxseed benefits in detail.

Flaxseed helps with weight loss.

As we have already mentioned, flaxseed is very beneficial for weight loss. It reduces appetite and keeps hunger away if you consume flaxseed in your morning breakfast or use it as an on-the-go snack.

Rich in protein,

 Flaxseed comprises a high-quality protein. Studies show that plant-based proteins help to boost the immune system, reduce cholesterol levels, suppress development, and strengthen muscles. Moreover, its antifungal properties prevent fungal diseases.

High Source in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid, aka ALA. It is a kind of plant-based omega-3 acid that prevents heart stroke and heart attack. Our body doesn’t produce alpha-linolenic acid naturally, so we need to get this essential acid from outside sources to have a healthy heart.

source of multiple nutrients

You won’t believe it when I tell you that a single tablespoon of flaxseed contains 30 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 1.3 grams of protein, 1.9 grams of fiber, 0.3 percent saturated fat, 3 grams of fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Prevents Cancer

Flaxseed eliminates the risk of multiple types of cancer, such as skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc. Lignans in flaxseed are plant-based compounds that include estrogen and antioxidant properties. Both of these elements help to lower the risk of different types of cancer.

Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

In some studies, it is found that people consuming flaxseed powder for a couple of months have improved their levels of cholesterol. Flaxseed can lower the cholesterol level by approximately 20%. Moreover, it lowers blood sugar and blood pressure as well.

Flaxseed Uses for Weight Loss

You can use flaxseed either ground or whole. Additionally, you can also get it in the form of oil. Health professionals also recommend flaxseed for belly fat. Consuming flaxseed boosts metabolism and results in rapid weight loss.

For more convenience, you can purchase flaxseed supplements to support weight loss. Some of the more popular ways to use flaxseed are given below.

• Use flaxseed with Greek yogurt. Flaxseed is good for weight loss.
• Mix flaxseeds in water or beverages.
• You can also add flaxseed to various dishes.
• Add some ground flaxseed to your breakfast or oatmeal.
• It can also be added to multi-cereal loaves of bread and cookies.
• Add flaxseed to smoothies to get multiple benefits.
• Drizzle flaxseed oil as a dressing on your favorite salads.

Flaxseed Side Effects

If it is good, it should be bad as well. Well, flaxseed doesn’t negatively impact your health but may not be beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases or irritable bowel syndromes. Flaxseed can cause inflammation if you are suffering from IBD or IBS.

Additionally, if you are suffering from hormonal imbalance or endometriosis, you should not use flaxseed because it may affect your body adversely.

Frequently asked questions

Is flaxseed good for weight loss?

Flaxseed is a well-known seed for burning extra fat. Flaxseed supports rapid weight loss due to its high fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to weight loss.

Does flaxseed burn belly fat?

Flaxseed is not mainly for burning belly fat or fat stored in other body areas, but it is good for bloating. It promotes a flatter stomach.

How much flaxseed should I take for daily weight loss?

It is recommended to take 2-4 tablespoons of flaxseed daily to reduce weight.

Which is better, chia seeds or flaxseeds?

Well, both of the seeds are rich in nutrients. But if we compare both of the seeds in terms of omega-3 acids and fiber, flaxseeds are more effective than chia seeds.

When is the best time to eat flaxseed?

Consuming flaxseeds on an empty stomach is beneficial. Therefore, the morning is the best time to eat flaxseeds.

Summary

Flaxseeds are considered a superfood. It has numerous health benefits. The nutritional properties of flaxseed prevent the development of diseases and boost metabolism and the immune system.

Besides promoting overall health, one of the biggest advantages of flaxseed is that it promotes quick weight loss. Experts also recommend flaxseed for weight loss. To speed up the weight loss process, couple it with a healthy diet and exercise because it is a seed, not a miracle.