Muscle Seeds
The versatile and extremely nutritious flax seed holds all its names accountable. Flaxseeds are used in a variety of ways regarding food due to its amazing abilities in preserving one's health! The helpfulness of flax seeds by providing a plant-based protein drove us, here at mouthfuel, to include them in our product!
Similarly to many other extremely beneficial superfoods, the flaxseed has a long history being used specifically for food and fiber from over 10,000 years ago. The domestication of flax seeds were first found in the Fertile Crescent and spread throughout the ancient world. The flaxseed, holding an abundant amount of protein and fiber, was popular amongst the early civilizations due to its beneficiary effects. The popularity of these seeds continue on into modern day for the same reasons. Many people may mindlessly incorporate flaxseeds into their diet, for they can be used in a countless amount of dishes such as smoothies, baked goods, and sprinkled into salads! Flaxseeds may also be found in the form of oil, although; the conversion to oil lessens the levels of fiber and lignans compared to regular flaxseeds. Not only do the flaxseeds play a crucial role in the food industry, but are also used in various other industries as well. For example, flaxseed oil is used in paints, varnishes, and linoleum, demonstrating its usefulness.
Nutritional Benefits of Flaxseeds
1. Nutrient Dense
Flaxseeds provide a variety of nutrients and vitamins that all provide support to your body. Some of which include: Thiamine, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Selenium. Flaxseeds are particularly high in thiamine which plays a key role in energy metabolism and cell functions. A large percent of copper is included within flaxseeds, serving in brain development, immune health, and iron metabolism.
2. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats which plays a fundamental role within human health. There are three main types of Omega-3s: ALA, EPA, and DHA. Specifically, flaxseeds contain ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), which are primarily found in plants. ALA is extremely important for heart health and aids the lowering of blood pressure. Obtaining omega-3 fatty acids through diet is crucial because it can not be produced inside your body.
3. Rich in Fiber
Flaxseeds contain two different types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble, meaning it dissolves in water while insoluble does not dissolve in water. Despite its different purposes, the body is beneficial and important to the body. Because the soluble fibers absorb the water in the intestines, it slows down digestion which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insoluble fibers, instead adds bulk to the stool, aiding in bowel regularity. These fibers play a large role in gut health, supporting the beneficial gut bacteria within your stomach and intestines.
4. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Flaxseeds tend to have a negative effect on LDL(bad cholesterol), overall supporting the total cholesterol. Including flaxseeds into one’s diet may lead to significant drops in body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, and blood pressure.
5. Good Source of Ligans
Ligans are a type of polyphenol, and are found mainly in plant based foods. Flaxseeds contain a high concentration of a lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). The body converts SDG into mammalian lignans (also called enterolignans), which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic effects.
Why did we use flaxseeds in our möuthfuel formula?
As stated before, flaxseeds provide crucial benefits for the human body and its Functions. Particularly, flaxseeds are rich in fiber and protein which influenced the usage of this superfood. Here at möuthfuel, we value the consumption of foods that are high in fiber and protein to provide the customer with its beneficial effects. The flaxseed was an excellent choice supplying the desired effects while being plant-based.
A general rule of thumb and recommendation is to always consume even the healthiest of foods in moderation as the scientific literature is constantly changing and balance is key to maintaining a well-rounded diet and lifestyle.