5 Reasons to Include Flaxseed in Your Diet

Now that 2018 is in full swing, I’m really trying to live up to my intention to make better food choices! While revamping my entire diet is out of the question (I love food way too much!), I do like the idea of making small changes that make a big impact.

Along with turmeric and apple cider vinegar, flaxseeds are my regular go-to for a healthy boost. Naturally gluten-free, high in fiber and healthy fats, flaxseeds and their oil have been consumed as a superfood for around 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest ones on the planet! Even just a couple of teaspoons of ground flaxseeds added to your daily diet can make a big difference in your overall health.

I’ve been a fan of putting flaxseeds in my smoothies for years, but there are so many other reasons why you should keep them on hand. Here are five, in case you aren’t convinced yet:

My favorite flaxseed-friendly smoothie

Banana Almond + Flaxseed

Ingredients:
- 1 Banana
- 2/3 cup Almond Milk
- 1 ½ tbsp Almond Butter
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Flaxseed
- 1/3 cup Greek Yogurt (fat free)
- 4 ice cubes
- ¼ cup Spinach

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smoothie. You can enjoy right away or freeze for later.

Benefits:
- Boosts immune system
- Vitamin B
- Protein
- Fiber

Source Footprints to Fitness

They keep your skin and hair healthy.

The ALA fats and B-vitamins in flaxseeds are great natural moisturizers for your skin, hair, and even your eyes, helping to treat everything from acne, rosacea, dry eye syndrome, and eczema from the inside.

They can contribute to weight loss.

Because flaxseeds are high in fiber, healthy fats and low in carbs, they help you stay fuller longer, which can help curb other cravings that may lead to weight gain.

They promote hormone balance, cellular health, and fight signs of aging.

Flaxseeds are packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to fortify all your body’s systems, protect them from disease and deterioration. Talk about a superfood!

They’re particularly powerful for women.

Due to the antioxidant lignans in flaxseeds, some studies have shown that regular intake can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, keep your menstrual cycle on track, and even serve as an alternative to hormone replacement during menopause.

They’re great for digestive health.

Whether you have a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease or just want to maintain regularity, flaxseeds are a great way to protect your intestinal lining and reduce intestinal inflammation - two things we can all feel good about!