New Research Finds This Food Transforms the Gut for Weight Loss

Flaxseeds are powerful healing foods that help regulate cholesterol levels, hormones and even blood pressure. So it’s not surprising that millions of people around the world load up on flaxseeds in their daily smoothie or sprinkled on their breakfast cereal on a daily basis. But, there is another reason to start eating flaxseeds if you’re not already: according to scientists they can also help with weight loss.

According to recent research published in the American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism, flaxseeds ferment in the gut causing changes in gut health and resulting in improved weight loss for those who are overweight. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, the fiber in flaxseeds ferments in the gut causing the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut, which in turn causes the health and weight benefits. They also found that flaxseeds help to prevent obesity in animals eating a high fat diet.

Flaxseeds also work on boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss in other ways: 

ALL-NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

Because they are rich in Omega fatty acids, they help to reduce inflammation in the body. According to research published in the journal Nutrients, flaxseeds are natural anti-inflammatories that help quell the precursor to many diseases. Inflammation is well-established as a causal factor for a wide range of conditions, including: arthritis, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

RICH SOURCES OF OMEGA-3S

Flaxseeds and the oil pressed from them are among the richest sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, especially one called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These oils are essential to ensure healthy bodily functions and processes, including metabolism and any underlying gut inflammation that may also be throwing off bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

SOURCES OF OTHER ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

Additionally, flaxseeds are excellent sources of nutrients that help to address any underlying nutritional deficiencies linked to a slow metabolism or weight gain. The seeds are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium and B-complex vitamins. These nutrients are essential to building and maintaining healthy muscles that help to burn fat as well as to ensure a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

THE BLOOD SUGAR BALANCERS

Flaxseeds also help restore healthy blood sugar levels, which is typically a problem among people who are overweight or obese. Blood sugar fluctuations typically result from eating refined carbohydrates like sugary foods, white breads or pastas, or from eating infrequently, essentially cause the body to start hoarding fat as a protective mechanism. While this mechanism may have saved our lives from starvation in ancient times, few of us are at risk of actual starvation (outside of nutritional starvation) now. Research published in the Journal of Medical Sciences found that flaxseeds can help restore blood sugar balance and reduce the risk of diabetes when they are consumed on a daily basis over the long-term.

HOW TO REAP THE REWARDS

Because flaxseeds are sensitive to heat and light, both the seeds and the oil pressed from them are best left uncooked and stored in the refrigerator. The gut health benefits found in the research was achieved using flaxseeds, not the oil, but the oil is still a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids. You can add flaxseeds to cooked oatmeal, atop breakfast cereals or add to your favorite smoothies. Flaxseed oil is delicious pored over baked, steamed or roasted vegetables and potatoes, over organic popcorn or added to smoothies. Simply add a teaspoon or two at a time, a few times daily for best results.