Flax Seed Oil | Naturalpedia

Flax Seed Oil

Flax seeds have a whole range of benefits to help your body both inside and out. These golden or brown coloured seeds are a plant-based protein that are a great source of dietary fibre and are high in minerals like magnesium. Adding whole flax seeds to a salad adds a nice crunch but using ground flax seeds is the best way to benefit from them. Milled flax seeds are much easier for the body to absorb the fibre and gain all the nutritional value. Try adding some milled flax seeds to thicken up your smoothie, or add some more fibre to your baking. Flax seeds are also gluten-free so can also be used to replace flour in breaded recipes, like chicken or fish, for a healthier alternative.

Rich in omega-3, which are essential fatty acids not produced by the body, flax seeds can aid both physical and mental health. Getting enough omega-3 helps to keep your heart healthy, regulate cholesterol, reduce inflammation and fight against mental disorders. Health Canada suggests that 40g of ground flax seed daily is proven to help lower cholesterol. Flax seeds are also the richest dietary source of plant lignans, according to Oregon State University. These are natural antioxidants that can reduce signs of ageing and have been linked to decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Flax seeds can also be pressed to produce oil. The oil is high is omega-3 which is anti-inflammatory and great for soothing dry, irritated skin. It also helps to balance the skin’s own oil production and repair damage. Flax seed oil’s natural regenerative properties are known to help strengthen nails. Applying flax seed oil to the skin keeps it feeling hydrated by sealing in moisture. For soft, healthy hair, try adding a little flax seed oil to your conditioner, or massaging it directly into the scalp.

Want to feel the benefits of flax seed for yourself? Try our Omega-3 Hand Creams which use local, cold-pressed flax seed oil from Highwood Crossing in Alberta to keep your hands in tip-top condition.

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