Linseed for Weight Loss

In your quest to lose weight, a balanced diet and exercise is the key. However, it's difficult to obtain all the nutrients your body needs through diet alone. That is where supplements come into play. One supplement that is great for weight loss is linseed.

What Is Linseed?

• Linseed is also known as flaxseed and is the seed of the flax plant. It is high in nutrients and antioxidants and full of dietary fiber. Linseed can be ground or you can use linseed oil.

How Does It Help Weight Loss?

• Linseed contains high levels of Omega 3, which is a fatty acid that reduces the amount of insulin in your body. Insulin reduces the use of fat for energy and instead promotes the storage of fat in your body. So a reduction in insulin will result in more fat used as fuel for your body and a raised metabolism. Linseed is also high in protein, which helps you feel fuller longer, and low in carbohydrates, which if not burned properly can turn into sugar and result in increased fat. Linseed's high-fiber content helps your digestion work properly, and when your digestion functions properly then you absorb and process nutrients faster and rid your body of waste easier.

Uses

• Ground linseed tastes lightly nutty and can be added to cereals or yogurt. The mild flavor of linseed oil makes it easy to blend in your food. There are also linseed oil supplements available on the market for convenience.

Recommended Amount

• The daily recommended dosage for adults is 1,000 mg one to three times per day or 1 tbsp. of ground linseed three times per day and 1 to 2 tbsp. of linseed oil once per day.

Warnings

• Consult your doctor before adding linseed or linseed oil to your diet. Always follow the recommended doses. It is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.