Posts Tagged ‘Omega-3 Fatty acids’

What are different health benefits of having flax seeds in your daily diet?

The scientific name of flax seeds is Linum Usitatissimum which means very useful. This is a very appropriate name for this fiber rich seed. Similar to sesame seeds in appearance, it is also available in the form of oil.
Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega3 fatty acid in the form of alpha linolenic acid, minerals like iron, manganese, copper magnesium and phosphorus it also contains Vitamin B6. For the tiny seeds this indeed is a long list of nutrients which give it the importance it so well deserves in the nutritional chart.
The health benefits of flax seeds are mainly the reason why it has become indispensable to so many cuisines. Some of the health benefits one can get from flax seeds are discussed below.

Anti inflammatory
The main constituent of the flax seed is omega3 fats which is one of the essential fatty acids required but not produced by the body. Omega3 fat is used by the body to produce a specific set of anti inflammatory prostaglandins series 1 and 2 (a chemical associated with pain). Thus an intake of these seeds in the diet can significantly help reduce pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and other inflammatory conditions.

Cardiovascular health
A flax seed, rich in omega-3 fat which is a poly unsaturated fatty acid, helps in fighting deposits of cholesterol by breaking them down. These cholesterol deposits may cause blood to clot thereby increasing the chances of cardiovascular diseases.

Increase in the concentration
Omega-3 fats have shown to also help in increasing the concentration levels of the brain. Omega 3 fat works by increasing the flexibility of the lipid membranes of the cells allowing a greater number of neurotransmitters to be transferred between nerve cells. This higher level of transfer allows faster simulation or reaction allowing you to think and react faster. This seed has also shown potential in the treatment of attention deficit disorder.

Laxative
Flaxseeds are rich in fiber content because of which it acts as an excellent laxative. Flax seeds are also recommended for any constipation issues.

Post menopausal health
These seeds if taken regularly help in regulating the estrogen levels in women post menopause and help to protect them from coronary heart disorders and bone loss arising out of estrogen imbalance.

Weight loss
Flax seeds are recommended for people trying to lose weight. These tiny seeds expand in the stomach when ingested; therefore, eating these seeds some time before meal can reduce ones appetite significantly, thereby reducing the amount of food eaten.

Prevents cancer
Recent studies have shown that flax seeds have about 27 chemical compounds in them which can prevent cancer. Flax seeds have always been recommended to reduce the possibilities of prostrate cancer and breast cancer, this is due to the impact it has in the production of the sexual hormones. Research has further shown that flax seeds help in preventing the spread of melanoma.

Diabetes
Another health benefit of flax seed is that it helps to regulate the level of insulin in the blood thus helping in maintaining blood sugar levels.

Skin care
Apart from all these health benefits of flax seeds, it is also recommended to overcome dryness of skin. Rich with vitamins and minerals this seed is known to help in treating eczema and psoriasis as well.

Due to the attention that this tiny seed has garnered for it capabilities to ward off a variety of health risks, many research institutes are working further to understand how it functions to help develop life saving drugs. Making it a part of your daily diet can definitely help you to live a healthier life. It is very cost effective and easy to prepare as well, just sprinkle a few seeds over your food or add it in a powdered form to your health drink.

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What are different health benefits of including celery seeds in your diet?

Celery seeds, scientifically known as Apium graveolens are primarily used as a seasoning. Celery seeds have been used since ancient times due to its medicinal value. These seeds are a good source of flavonoids, coumarins and omega 3fatty acid. Celery seeds are also known to contain minerals like calcium, iron, boron chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese potassium, selenium, zinc, sulfur and vital vitamins like B, A, C, E and K. All of these compounds contribute significantly to the health benefits of celery seeds, the main reason why this seed has gained a lot of medical attention and is under active research. Some of the important health benefits are discussed below.

Gout
A form of arthritis, gout, is caused due to the deposition of uric acid in the joints. Studies have shown that celery seeds can help in reducing the deposit of uric acid in the body thus helping in preventing this painful health condition. Apart from this, celery also has anti inflammatory compounds which help in relieving the pain associated with gout.

Cardiovascular health
Apigenin is a flavonoids present in celery seeds. Apart from being an effective anti oxidant, apigenin has shown to relax the coronary blood vessels allowing it to widen and permit an unobstructed flow of blood thus lowering blood pressure. Recent studies have also indicated that celery seeds can help lower the cholesterol level in the blood.

Anti microbial
Celery also possesses anti microbial properties which helps in removal of parasites from the intestine and maintain a good digestive system.

Diuretic
Celery seeds are also diuretic in nature allowing the excretion of water along with toxic compounds from the body. This seed is highly recommended in patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension which may lead to water retention in the body.

Anti carcinogenic
The various flavonoids present in celery seeds helps in avoiding the growth and spread of cancerous cells. Flavonoids act as anti oxidants and help in clearing the body of the harmful free radicals which may otherwise lead to the growth of cancerous cells. The phytochemicals along with the presence of coumarins help in preventing colon and stomach cancer.

Weight management
Drinking celery juice may help in reducing the craving for food thus helping in weight management. Apart from these antioxidants called coumarins, celery also has phenolic compounds which block the prostaglandins that facilitate growth of tumor forming cells.

Acidity
Celery seeds are also known to help in acidity and curbing flatulence. The minerals present in this seed helps in maintaining the pH balance of the blood.

Gynecological health
This seed is known to help in regularizing the menstrual cycle in women. It leads to uterine contraction which helps in the menstrual flow. The anti spasmodic effect of celery help in reducing abdominal cramps experienced during menses.

All these health benefits of celery seeds are yet to be proven scientifically as they are all based on clinical experience rather than experiments. However, they have been since ages used as a meditative food product and it has shown effective results.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential Fatty acids, benefits, uses.

Omega 3 is the name given to a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids or essential fatty acids. Omega 3 or the essential fatty acids are vital for the healthy functioning of all organs but they cannot be synthesized by the body.
The main components of Omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA.

Dietary sources include :
- Fortified eggs and oils derived from microalgae.
- Dark green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed oil and Soya.
- Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, sardines, mackerel, herring, anchovies and tuna and fish oils are the best overall source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Flaxseeds actually contain higher concentrations.
- Fruit juices and bread or other fortified foods (Kiwifruit, strawberries and Black Raspberry are very good sources in fruits).

Omega 3 fatty acids are the building blocks of our cell membranes and neurological system. They play a crucial role in many functions of the body.

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

- A brain booster : The majority of the brain is made up of “good” fats knows as fatty acids, and the majority of this “good” fat is Omega-3. It actually increases learning ability, problem-solving skills, focus, memory, and communication between cells.
- Helps to maintain a healthy mental ability.
- It lowers the arthritis symptoms.
- Helps to loose weight.
- Regular consumption of fish oils may help diabetics by lowering their triglycerides and diabetes markers called apoproteins.
- Lubrication of skin arteries and digestive tract.
- Promote an increase in the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol while also decreasing triglycerides or fatty material.
- Increases Immune System.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Reduces skin ailments.
- Supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in individuals with hypertension.
- Essential fatty acids have been used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims.
- Reduces colon, prostate, breast cancer risk.
- EPA plus DHA can produce a 45% reduction in serum triglyceride level.

Negative effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

- It could cause more bleeding if somebody is already bruised.
- Gas, bloating and loose bowels may be experienced.
- People allergic to sea food should not take fish supplements.
- Pregnant and nursing women shouldn’t eat more than a single serving of oily fish per week.