If you’re looking for a superfood that has protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, you should consider adding flax seeds to your diet. This small, yet powerful superfood is heart healthy, can help with the digestion and may even help get rid of belly fat.

“For adults, enjoying 2 tablespoons of seeds, such as flaxseeds, daily is advisable for good health,” Jackie Newgent R.D.N., C.D.N, a dietitian and nutritionist, told Prevention.

Here are four benefits of including flax seeds in your diet:

Improve skin and hair

It’s no secret that getting the right nutrients — including vitamins and fatty acids — is crucial to having great-looking hair, skin and nails.

“Women with sensitive skin may experience skin improvement by incorporating flax oil in their diet,” according to Prevention.

It may reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels

A 12-week study with 112 participants showed that blood pressure and blood sugar levels both decreased when the participants added four tablespoons of flax seeds per day to their diet.

Help with digestion and weight management

The high fiber content in flax seeds can do a lot for digestive health — especially for those experiencing bloating or constipation.

But flax seeds can also help with weight loss, with the seeds helping you feel fuller.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Shiraz Taslaq (right) serves pastries from his Lawrenceville-based wholesale pastry business, Baklava, to Atlanta Halal Fall Festival attendees. A brisk crowd sampled pastries, meat sandwiches, coffees and desserts from Muslim traditions around the globe, and shopped for jewelry and crafts. (Ariel Hart/AJC)

Credit: Ariel Hart

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff