I love flaxseeds and I’ve found them to be a great alternative to muesli. My favourite breakfast is berries, full fat Natural Greek Yoghurt, nuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds. It is quick and easy to prepare, filling and nutritious. But what are the benefits of flaxseeds for women over 40?
Omega 3
After menopause women’s risk of getting heart disease increases. Flaxseeds contain the omega 3 essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Scientific studies have shown that this nutrient lowers the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation in your body.
Fibre
After the age of 40 women’s hormones can start to change. The gut is important to help stop these hormones getting out of balance. Flaxseeds are high in soluble and insoluble fibre (95%). Fibre helps to soften stools, which allows food to pass through your body more easily. This helps to prevent constipation and eliminate old hormones, stopping them recirculating in the body and causing havoc. The high fibre content of flaxseeds also lowers blood sugar levels, which is useful in weight management.
Lignans
There are more plant lignans in flaxseeds than in any other food. The gut bacteria in the gut convert these flaxseed lignans into a group of oestrogens commonly called ‘good’ oestrogens. ‘Good’ oestrogens, as opposed to ‘bad’ oestrogens, are thought to protect against breast cancer as they do not stimulate the growth of cancer cells in the breast.
Vitamins and Minerals
There are a number of other nutrients in flaxseeds including B1, copper, molybdenum, magnesium and phosphorus. These nutrients help to support your bones, your nervous and immune systems and your general metabolism.
I usually use organic ground flaxseeds. If you prefer to use the whole seed, just remember to soak them overnight first. If you are a porridge for breakfast eater stir some ground flaxseeds into your cooked porridge.
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