Enhance your wellbeing with flaxseed: 5 health-boosting tactics

Flaxseed can improve your general health in a number of ways. When it comes to looking after your health and nutrition this Autumn, adding a daily helping of Linwoods flaxseed to your diet can help to give you the edge. It is simple to incorporate into so many different dishes, from adding a boost to overnight oats, to a nutritional topper on Autumn curries. Here Nutritionist Jane McClenaghan give us insight into 5 ways flaxseed can improve your general health; 

1. Helps to maintain your energy levels

If you find your energy levels start to dip mid-afternoon, or you could do with a little boost in your day, then try adding some Linwoods milled seeds to your breakfast bowl. The protein and fibre in a 20g portion may help to sustain your energy levels throughout the morning. Adding a spoonful of Linwoods milled seeds is a lovely way to include some magnesium too – a nutrient that is essential for energy production within our cells and that can be deleted when we are under stress.

2. To help keep your digestion regular

When we head off on holiday, or are out of our daily routine, sometimes digestion can be a bit off. If you find that you tend to be more constipated when your daily routine is rocked by summer holidays, then try adding Linwoods milled seeds into your diet every day. You should soon notice a difference, the combination of soluble and insoluble fibre can help to soften stools and make bowel movements a little easier. For best results, take with a glass of water or some herbal tea, as the soluble fibre needs fluid to do its work on your digestive tract.

3. To support strong and healthy muscles

Most of us know that we need protein for strong and healthy muscles, but did you know that you also need magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc and B vitamins too. If you are upping your exercise, or focusing on fitness this Autumn, then adding these nutrients to your diet will help you get the most from your training. It is always best to get a food-based protein supplement, as this will provide a better balance of nutrients that work synergistically. Try adding Linwoods milled seeds into smoothies with some natural yoghurt, fresh fruit and your favourite milk for a tasty way to support healthy muscle function.

4. To regulate your appetite

Linwoods milled seeds are a great way to add a natural source of protein and a healthy balance of fibre, vitamins, minerals and essential omegas to your day. Including a balance of protein, fibre and healthy fats at each meal can help you to feel fuller for longer, reduce cravings and support blood sugar and insulin balance. This makes it so much easier to make healthier choices and you’ll probably find that you have less of an appetite for snacks between meals.

5. To support hormone balance

Flaxseed is a great source of plant-based phytoestrogens, called lignans that have been shown to have a gentle balancing effect on oestrogen, so may help support symptoms of PMS, peri-menopause and female hormone balance. Linwoods products naturally contain other nutrients that are important for female balance, such as magnesium, B6 and zinc.

All Linwoods products are available to buy online at linwoodshealthfoods.com and retailers nationwide.