Flaxseed is a plant-based food ingredient that is typically found in the outer shell of grain seeds. This shell is the outer layer that surrounds and protects the grains. Inside this shell are nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Flaxseed is a high-fiber food source, and fiber is important for digestive health. It is also known for its low-fat and high-protein content, making it a suitable food for diet programs. Additionally, psyllium husk is rich in antioxidants and may have a protective effect against the harmful effects of free radicals in the body.
Flaxseed is commonly used in foods such as cakes, bread, cookies, granola, and muesli. It can also be added to breakfast foods like oatmeal and smoothies.
Foods containing flaxseed are:
- Oats: Oats have a high content of bran in their hull. Therefore, oat-based foods such as oat bran or oatmeal are high in bran content.
- Wheat: Wheat bran is found in the outer layer of the wheat grain. Therefore, wheat-based foods such as whole wheat bread or whole wheat pasta may also be high in bran content.
- Rye: Rye also contains bran in its hull and therefore, rye-based foods such as rye bread are high in bran content.
- Corn: The outer husk of corn also contains bran, so corn-based foods such as cornmeal or whole grain corn flakes may be high in bran content.
- Rice: Rice is also a grain that contains bran. Brown rice has a higher bran content compared to white rice.
- Bulgur: Bulgur is a precooked and dried form of wheat. It contains a high amount of bran in its hull and therefore, is a high bran content food.
Benefits of Flaxseed
Flaxseed provides many benefits for our health, as it contains many beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Here are some of the benefits of Flaxseed:
- Supports heart health: Due to its antioxidants and high fiber content, bran helps to support heart health.
- Regulates blood sugar: Thanks to its high fiber content, bran helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This can also reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Boosts immune system: Bran is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that strengthen the immune system.
- Supports digestive health: Bran, as it is high in fiber, can support digestive health and alleviate digestive problems such as constipation.
- Can aid in weight loss: Bran can aid in weight loss by making you feel full for longer due to its fiber content.
- Has anti-inflammatory effects: Bran contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Supports bone health: Bran contains important minerals for bone health, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals help to strengthen bones.
- Regulates blood pressure: Due to its blood pressure-regulating properties, bran can reduce the risk of hypertension.