Flax seeds are a great addition to a keto diet. They are low-carb, high-fibre, and high-fat seeds full of antioxidants. Flax seeds are also known as linseeds and are one of the most recommended keto foods. They are calorie-dense and contain healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B3, B12, and B9. Flax seeds are highly versatile and can be added to smoothies, yogurts, keto wraps, flaxseed bread, and flaxseed crackers.
What You'll Learn
Flax seeds are keto-friendly
Flaxseeds are calorie-dense yet low-carb. A tablespoon (7g) of flaxseeds contains 1.9g of dietary fibre and only 0.1 grams of net carbohydrates. Flaxseeds are also a great source of vitamins B3, B12, and B9.
Flaxseeds are a great addition to a keto diet as they fill the nutritional gap by providing fibre, minerals, and vitamins. Flaxseeds are rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining gut health and relieving constipation. The milled form of flaxseeds is more beneficial as it provides more fibre than the whole form, which passes through the body without being properly absorbed.
Flaxseeds are also known to lower blood cholesterol. According to a study, consuming 30 grams of milled flaxseeds per day could reduce LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) by 15%. Flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Flaxseeds can also help lower blood sugar and blood pressure. According to studies, flaxseeds have been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
To add flaxseeds to your keto diet, you can use raw or ground flaxseeds in recipes such as keto wraps, flaxseed bread, and flaxseed crackers. You can also add flaxseed powder to thicken a smoothie or sprinkle some on your morning porridge or coffee.
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Ground flax seeds are better absorbed by the body
Flaxseeds are a great addition to a keto diet, but it's important to prepare them correctly to ensure your body can absorb their nutrients. Whole flax seeds tend to pass through the body without being properly absorbed, minimizing their health benefits.
To maximize the benefits of flaxseeds, it's recommended to consume them in a milled or ground form. Ground flaxseeds are much easier for your body to digest and absorb. This is because the tough outer shell of whole seeds cannot be broken down by your intestines. By grinding the seeds, you make the nutrients more bioavailable, allowing your body to absorb and utilize them more effectively.
Ground flaxseeds can be easily incorporated into your diet. You can either source pre-ground flaxseeds or grind them yourself using a basic coffee grinder. Once ground, simply add them to your recipes or sprinkle them over your favourite dishes. Ground flaxseeds are mostly flavourless, so you can get creative and add them to various recipes without altering the taste.
Not only are ground flaxseeds more absorbent, but they also provide a range of health benefits. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, protein, and both soluble and insoluble fiber. These nutrients can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
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Flax seeds are high in dietary fibre
Flax seeds are a great source of dietary fibre, with one tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed containing around 2 grams of fibre. This is around 5% and 8% of the daily recommended intake for men and women, respectively.
Flax seeds contain two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre plays a role in reducing cholesterol levels and protecting against heart problems and diabetes. It does so by absorbing water in the intestines, slowing down digestion, and regulating blood sugar levels. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, adds bulk to the stool, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
The high fibre content of flax seeds also helps to increase a person's sense of fullness, which can aid in weight management. The soluble fibre in flax seeds has been shown to reduce feelings of hunger and overall appetite, making it easier to manage weight.
In addition to their fibre content, flax seeds also offer other health benefits. They are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and several vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, copper, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.
To fully benefit from the fibre and other nutrients in flax seeds, it is recommended to consume them in ground or milled form rather than whole. This is because the tough outer shell of the whole seeds can be difficult for the intestines to break down, reducing the absorption of the seeds' beneficial compounds.
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Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Flax seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) variety. ALA is an essential fatty acid, meaning that the human body cannot produce it and must obtain it from food. Flax seeds are one of the richest sources of plant-based ALA, second only to chia seeds. ALA is converted by the body into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish oil.
Flax seeds are usually sold whole, ground/milled, or roasted, or processed into flaxseed oil. However, the whole seeds will pass through the body without being properly absorbed, reducing their overall health benefits. Consuming flax seeds in a milled or ground form is recommended to take full advantage of their nutritional benefits.
Flax seeds have been linked to improved digestion and a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, largely due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that flax seeds may lower cholesterol and improve cholesterol levels and the composition of blood fats. They may also help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce inflammation in the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Flax seeds are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including thiamine (vitamin B1), copper, molybdenum, magnesium, and phosphorus. They contain several beneficial plant compounds, including p-Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, cyanogenic glycosides, phytosterols, and lignans. Lignans are present in almost all plants and act as both antioxidants and phytoestrogens. Flax seeds are exceptionally rich in lignans, containing up to 800 times more than other foods.
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Flax seeds can be added to a variety of recipes
Flax seeds are a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants, and they are known to have many health benefits. They are high in dietary fiber, lignans, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall digestive health.
When adding flax seeds to your recipes, it is recommended to use them in a milled or ground form to ensure proper absorption by the body. You can either source pre-ground flax seeds or grind them yourself using a basic coffee grinder.
- Use them as a substitute for grains in baked goods like bread, pancakes, and muffins.
- Boost the nutrition of your keto-friendly smoothies, soups, salads, and yogurts by adding a spoonful of flax seeds.
- Thicken your sauces with ground flax seeds for a nutritious twist.
- Make crunchy keto crackers or chips using flax seed meal, spices, and water.
- Try out different keto bread recipes that use a blend of flax seeds and almond flour for a soft, nutty-flavoured bread.
With their versatility and numerous health benefits, flax seeds are a great addition to your keto diet. Just remember to grind them up first to get the full nutritional value!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, flax seeds are keto-friendly. They are low-carb, high-fibre, and high-fat seeds full of antioxidants. However, it is recommended to consume flax seeds in a milled or ground form to ensure your body absorbs all the nutrients.
Flax seeds are highly recommended for keto dieters as they are calorie-dense yet low-carb. They are also a good source of fibre, minerals, and vitamins, which are often lacking in a restricted keto diet. Flax seeds can also help lower blood cholesterol, prevent cancer, lower body fat, and reduce blood sugar and blood pressure.
The health benefits of flax seeds are noticeable from as little as 10 grams (1 tablespoon) per day. The recommended daily limit is 50 grams (5 tablespoons) per day.
Flax seeds are very versatile and can be added to smoothies, yogurts, keto wraps, flaxseed bread, flaxseed crackers, or used as a thickener for sauces and smoothies.