Dr. Alicia Stanton, an integrative medicine physician and author of
Hormone Harmony and
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Hormone Weight Loss, says the oil in flaxseeds is the richest plant source of
healthy omega-3 fats, which are necessary for the function of every cell. These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, balance hormones, protect against mood swings and depression, and prevent heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases like arthritis. The
superfood is also high in fiber and can help relieve constipation.
Stanton suggests eating 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds or flaxseed oil daily to reap maximum health benefits. Try adding toasted flaxseeds to salads, soups, and sandwiches for a pleasant crunch. Stanton adds that while flaxseed oil has the highest concentration of the plant’s omega-3 fats, it has a low smoke point so it's not recommended for cooking but is good for smoothies, salad dressings, and other foods.
