Flaxseed powder

Fibre to regulate cholesterol. Flaxseeds are particularly rich in fibre (27.3 g of fibre per 100 g of flaxseed), mainly soluble fibre known to regulate the blood glucose and the cholesterol in the blood.

Fibre is especially essential for the proper functioning of our intestinal transit. Soluble fibres will be useful in case of transit disorders, especially for people suffering from constipation. They are also known for their satiating effect. This is why they are often recommended in slimming diets. Explains Ysabelle Levasseur, dietician-nutritionist in Paris and Cannes.

Good fats for the heart

Flaxseed is an excellent source of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3 (16.7 g of Omega-3 per 100 g). These Omega-3s are recognised for their cardio-protective properties². “Omega-3s help regulate blood pressure and the elasticity of the vessels. They also help to increase the good cholesterol levels and decrease the blood triglycerides. Finally, they promote immune and anti-inflammatory reactions ", continues Ysabelle Levasseur. 

In addition to these Omega-3s, flaxseeds contain a good proportion of Omega-6s (4.31 g of Omega-6s per 100 g). "Our diet is naturally too rich in Omega-6 and too poor in Omega-3 because we consume on average 15 times more Omega-6, which would promote obesity³. Flaxseed offers a very good ratio of five Omega-6 to one Omega-3“, says Ysabelle Levasseur.

Plant proteins and iron

Flaxseeds are also rich in vegetable protein (24 g of vegetable protein per 100 g)! They also contain trace elements as the selenium or the iron. “The iron content of flaxseed is particularly interesting for women who may have deficiencies, but also for people who do not eat meat or eat little meat, provided they consume at least 1 tablespoon daily with a source of vitamin C to promote the assimilation of non-heme iron"says the dietician-nutritionist.

To take advantage of the nutritional benefits of flaxseeds, Ysabelle Levasseur advises eating them ground. To do this, use a coffee grinder or mortar... Or chew them well! Then enjoy them in yoghurt, compote or muesli with milk, for example.

The high fibre content of flaxseed can be irritating for sensitive intestines. So, for people who are not familiar with daily fibre consumption, it is advisable to introduce it gradually into the diet... Starting, for example, with one teaspoon of ground flaxseed per day and gradually working up to a daily intake of one tablespoon.

“People with constipation may well consume a tablespoon of ground flaxseed daily. However, for those with an irritable bowel and suffering from diarrhoeaIt is advised not to consume more than one teaspoon per day“recommends the dietician-nutritionist.

Contra-indications. Because of their fibre content, flaxseeds are not recommended: Children. People suffering from diverticulitis. To people with a stoma.

Linseed oil: "Flaxseed is to be distinguished from flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is exclusively composed of lipids and is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6. 

However, it does not provide fibre or proteinsays Ysabelle Levasseur.