Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome with Flaxseeds – Flaxseeds are a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet, offering numerous health benefits, particularly for supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- They are Rich in fibre acting as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a balanced microbiome.
- They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, which support digestion, enhance stool bulk, and promote regular bowel movements, aiding overall gut health.
- Lignans in flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce gut inflammation and maintain a healthy intestinal environment.
- The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds contribute to reducing gut inflammation and maintaining the integrity of the gut lining.
- Flaxseeds help regulate gut motility, reducing the risk of constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues by promoting a healthier gut flora.
- Regular consumption of flaxseeds can enhance bacterial diversity in the gut, which is essential for a strong and resilient immune system.
I have found that milled flaxseed is an easy and effective way to boost your nutrient intake by simply adding 2 tablespoons of Linwoods Organic cold Milled Flaxseed to smoothies, sprinkle it over porridge, yoghurt, or salads, and mix it into homemade muffins, breads, and pancakes.
This is a simple yet powerful approach to enhancing your digestive health every day.
Award winning registered nutritionist AFN SENR, Sunday Times best-selling author & health journalist of the year Rob Hobson talks us through how flaxseed can support a healthy gut microbiome.
Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome with Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients
Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients, including lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. While the term “superfood” is often over-used, milled flaxseed genuinely deserves this title and should be a daily addition to your diet to enhance its nutrient density. These tiny seeds offer a wide range of health benefits, particularly in promoting gut health. A healthy gut is crucial for digestion, immune function, and overall well-being, and by choosing milled flaxseed, you maximise the potential benefits.
The Nutritional Power of Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that we need to obtain from our diet. ALA has anti-inflammatory properties, and ALA is known to lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol which can be great for heart health.
They are also high in dietary fibre too, making up about 40% of the seed. Of this fibre, 25% is soluble, which helps lower blood sugar levels and absorb cholesterol, both of which are important for helping to prevent heart disease.
They are also rich in several other key nutrients, including protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. Flaxseed protein is a high-quality plant-based protein that contains all the essential amino acids, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet for muscle repair and overall health.
Flaxseeds and The Gut Microbiome
One of the key benefits of flaxseeds is helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion and overall health. A diet rich in healthy and plant-based foods is linked with the presence and abundance of certain gut microbes that are also associated with a lower risk of developing conditions such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Soluble fibre in milled flaxseed also supports a healthy gut acting as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, which can be converted into short-chain fatty acids that help nourish the cells lining the colon, promoting a healthy gut barrier and help to reduce inflammation.
Flaxseeds are also known for helping prevent constipation, a common digestive issue that can negatively affect gut health.
Flaxseeds have also been shown to reduce intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut,” where harmful substances pass from the gut into the bloodstream. This phenomenon is associated with inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS.
In conclusion, incorporating flaxseeds into your daily diet offers a wide array of health benefits, particularly for gut health.
Whether consumed in smoothies, baked goods, or sprinkled on salads, the Linwoods flaxseed selection are an easy and versatile way to boost digestive wellness, improve overall health, and contribute to long-term well-being. With their impressive nutrient profile, flaxseeds are a powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Poppy Watt