Flax seeds are considered a rich source of health benefits, and have been used since ancient times, as they were considered an effective treatment for the Romans and Pharaohs for long periods. In this article, through the Dalili Medical website, we will review the benefits of flax seeds for diabetics.

**Benefits of flax seeds**

 

Flax seeds provide the body with a variety of nutrients. Here is the nutritional value of each tablespoon (7 grams):

- Calories: 37 calories.

- Protein: 1.3 grams.

- Fat: 3 grams.

- Carbohydrates: 2 grams.

- Fiber: 2 grams.

It also contains a group of important vitamins and minerals, such as:

- Copper

- Manganese

- Magnesium

- Phosphorus

- Vitamin (B6)

- Selenium

- Iron

- Zinc

- Folic acid

- Thiamine

In addition, flax seeds contain omega-3, antioxidants, and lignans.

- **Are Flax Seeds Chia Seeds?**

 

No, flax seeds are not chia seeds.

- **Are Flax Seeds Garden Cress?**

 

No, flax seeds are not garden cress.

- **Do Flax Seeds Make You Gain Weight?**

 

Under normal circumstances and in moderate amounts, flax seeds do not lead to weight gain.

- **Do Flax Seeds Help You Lose Weight?**

 

Yes, flax seeds may help you lose weight.

- **Do Flax Seeds Promote Hair Growth?**

 

Flax seeds may help promote hair growth.

- **Do Flax Seeds Raise Blood Pressure?**

 

No, they help lower blood pressure.

- **How ​​Many Calories Are in Flax Seeds?**

 

One teaspoon contains 37 calories.

**Benefits of Flax Seeds for Men**

 

Flax seeds offer multiple benefits for men, and here are some of the benefits associated with eating them:

- **A source of omega 3**: Flax seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega 3, which plays an important role in fighting inflammation, promoting heart health, and reducing the accumulation of harmful cholesterol in the blood vessels.

- **Supplying the body with fiber**: Flax seeds contain two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, which helps improve digestive health and fight diabetes.

**Benefits of Flax Seeds for Women**

 

In addition to the benefits mentioned above for men, there are other benefits for women:

- **Resisting breast cancer**: Flax seeds contain lignan, which plays a role in fighting some types of cancer, including breast cancer.

- **Helps with weight loss**: Flax seeds can help promote a feeling of fullness, which reduces appetite for food.

**Benefits of Flax Seeds for Pregnancy**

 

Flax seeds are beneficial for pregnant women and their fetuses. Here are some details:

- **Pregnant women's nutrition**: Flax seeds provide pregnant women with a variety of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber, in addition to vitamins and minerals.

- **A source of folic acid**: Folic acid is an essential element during the first months of pregnancy to protect the fetus from deformities and birth defects.

- **Fetal brain growth and mental development**: Omega 3 plays an important role in the growth of the fetus's brain and mental development before and after birth.

**Benefits of Flax Seeds for Sex**

 

Flax seeds contribute to improving sexual health in men, and the reasons that support this include:

- **Improving testosterone levels**: Flax seeds contribute to increasing the level of testosterone in the blood, which is responsible for sexual desire.

- **Improving blood circulation**: Flax seeds help enhance blood circulation to the reproductive organs, which contributes to improving erection.

- **Increasing sperm quality**: Flax seeds provide men with selenium and zinc, two elements that contribute to improving sperm quality and increasing sperm count.

**Benefits of flax seeds for the uterus**

 

Some studies indicate that flax seeds may help improve the condition of uterine fibroids and reduce inflammation associated with them. This is attributed to the effect of lignans and antioxidants found in the seeds, but more research is still needed.

**Benefits of flax seeds for diabetics**

 

**Flax seeds and their role in controlling blood sugar levels**

Fiber is an essential nutrient in the diet of diabetics, as it helps maintain blood sugar levels within normal limits. Flax seeds are one of the effective foods in lowering blood sugar levels, due to their high fiber content.

Eating flax seeds in moderate amounts does not lead to a sudden rise in sugar levels, but rather helps maintain their stability, which contributes to controlling sugar levels in the body. This is due to the presence of a good amount of soluble fiber, especially mucilage, which slows down the digestion of food and reduces the absorption of some nutrients such as sugar.

A 4-week study in 29 people with type 2 diabetes showed that taking 10 grams of flaxseed powder daily reduced blood sugar levels by 19.7% compared to a control group that did not take flaxseed.

**Flaxseed and improving insulin sensitivity**

 

Insulin resistance refers to the body’s difficulty responding to insulin, requiring larger amounts of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.

Flaxseed contains compounds known as lignans, which act as powerful antioxidants, which contribute to improving insulin sensitivity and slowing the progression of diabetes. However, studies in humans have not conclusively confirmed this effect, which calls for further research.

On the other hand, alpha-linolenic acid found in flaxseed oil has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity in both theStudies on animals and humans. An 8-week study of 16 obese people showed an increase in insulin sensitivity after they took a daily dose of alpha-linolenic acid as a dietary supplement.

**Flaxseed and lowering cholesterol**

 

Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that flaxseed and its oil help protect against these conditions for several reasons, including its fiber and alpha-linolenic acid content.

The mucilage in flaxseed, a type of fiber, helps lower blood cholesterol levels by forming a gel-like substance that affects fat metabolism, reducing cholesterol absorption.

The antioxidants in flaxseed also help lower cholesterol levels, while substances known as phytoestrogens help reduce blood pressure.

**How ​​to eat flaxseed for diabetics**

 

Flaxseed and its oil are easy-to-use ingredients, as they can be eaten whole, ground, or roasted, in addition to being used as oil or flour. However, whole flax seeds can be difficult to digest, so it is best to grind them and use them in powder form.

Here are some tips on how to incorporate flax seeds into a diabetic diet:

- If a person suffers from stomach problems, it is preferable not to eat them whole due to their richness in fiber and tissues. They can be mixed with other nuts and seeds from time to time.

- Flax seeds can be soaked in water overnight, then flax seed water can be consumed in the morning. This helps soften the outer layer of the seeds, and this drink is a low-calorie option that is an excellent alternative to juices and packaged drinks.

- Flax seeds can be eaten after grinding them into powder, as it is recommended to take 10-20 grams per day to help maintain blood sugar levels. It is a good idea to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate amount for each patient.

- A variety of healthy dishes can be prepared using flax seeds, such as delicious salads that can be garnished with them, which helps maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

**Contraindications for using flax seeds**

 

There are some groups that should be careful when using flax seeds, including:

- **Pregnant women**: Flax seeds may lead to hormonal disorders during pregnancy, which may pose a risk to pregnancy, so it is preferable to avoid taking them.

- **Surgeries**: Flax seed oil may reduce blood clotting, which increases the risk of bleeding during surgeries. It is recommended to refrain from taking it at least two weeks before the surgery.

- **Taking medications**: Taking flax seeds can interfere with some medications, such as blood pressure lowering medications and diabetes medications, so you should consult your doctor before taking them in these cases.

- **Allergy**: Flax seeds may cause allergies to some people, in which case they should avoid taking them.