The Flaxseed Benefits that Have Changed My Life

Find out how flaxseed can improve certain skin conditions, prevent diseases and fight wrinkles! 

*Ask your health care provider if flaxseed may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

The Flaxseed Benefits that Have Changed My Life

A few months ago my mother, who suffers from chronic dry eyes, started taking flaxseed supplements. This was after a makeup artist, who had the same condition, told me about how she healed herself with only flaxseed supplements. It almost seemed too easy and good to be true but then thought it would do no harm to give it a try. I went on Amazon, ordered two large bottles of supplements and told my mother to take 3000 mg every day for about three months. She didn’t notice a difference right away but gradually, her condition improved. Then two weeks ago, while we were vacationing in beautiful Okinawa, my mother realized she hadn’t touched her eyedrops once during the entire trip. I can’t tell you how happy it made me to see that the treatment worked! What a comforting feeling it is to know that she won’t have to go through life having to constantly rely on medication to find relief.

The reason why I’ve decided to write a post about the benefits of flaxseed is because not only has it greatly helped my mother, it’s also helped me in many ways. While it’s not trending like chia seeds or quinoa, it’s still a superfood worth talking about.

I thought I would share with you the positive effects flaxseed has had on my life in hopes that it might perhaps, benefit yours too.

What is flaxseed?

Flaxseed, or linseed, comes from the flax plant, one of the oldest fiber crops in the world – known to have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and China.

5 ways to consume flaxseed

1. Flaxseed supplements – this is the easiest way to get your daily intake of flaxseed.
2. Ground flaxseed – use for smoothies, baking or to sprinkle on yogurt or oatmeal.
3. Peanut butter with flaxseed – use as a spread.
4. Whole flaxseeds – must be ground before using since they are very difficult to digest.
5. Flax oil – because of its low smoking point, use flax oil in salad dressings or to drizzle on top of food.

How flaxseed helps me stay healthy

I’ve been taking flaxseed in gel caplet and ground form for over 15 years now. The reason why I started taking it was to keep my psoriasis under control after exeperiencing a brutal flare up that covered 90% of my body. My hands, arms, torso and legs were covered with scaly patches that looked like leprosy. This flare up lasted two months and caused bouts of insomnia, extreme itchiness and sheer embarrassment. This prompted me to look at natural ways to combat this skin disorder as I vowed never to let that happen to me again. That’s when I discovered the powerful benefits of flaxseed.

Prevents flare ups: Its anti inflammatory properties aid in preventing flare ups while keeping my skin lubricated.

Strengthens the immune system: Flaxseed is high in iron, which is essential to maintaining a strong immune system. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it’s very important that my core remains strong and healthy. The Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed also work with lignans to help white blood cells fight off diseases.

Good for the gut: Lastly, flaxseed is very good for the digestive system. Since the seeds are high in fiber, they help keep the digestive tracks clean by promoting regular bowel movements.

Fingers crossed but I haven’t experienced another severe flare up since I’ve been taking flaxseed. I’ll still get a scaly patch here and there, but nothing I can’t manage or cover up. It’s literally changed my life!

Other Health Benefits of Flaxseed

1. Can prevent or treat dry eye condition. Flaxseed oil softens the tears so they can flow more easily, helping the eyes to become clear and less irritated.
2. Can help prevent against certain cancers. The lignans found in flaxseed may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Lignans alter the way your body metabolizes estrogens into safer forms.
3. Adds moisture to the skin and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and antioxidants, flaxseed makes for a powerful ally in the fight against aging! Omega-3 fatty acids help your skin stay smooth and hydrated, while the lignans help reconstruct broken blood vessels and skin cells, and antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals and UV rays.

Do NOT use flaxseed if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in flaxseed
• you have ileus or a history of intestinal blockage of any type
• you have swelling or closure of the esophagus
• you are pregnant

Yummy recipes using flaxseed:

• Bright skin smoothie
• Beauty fruit smoothie
• Healthy banana bread