Flaxseed benefits - good for the athlete and health conscious

When selecting ingredients for our Elite Pre and Post Workout Shake, it didn’t take much research to discover that flaxseed must be included. Exceptionally high in Omega-3, they reduce inflammation, improve heart health and have even been shown to reduce cancer risk

Flaxseeds improve athletic performance

Flaxseeds are a potent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid. In fact, flaxseeds have one of the highest known concentrations of Omega-3 in any plant food.

Omega-3 has a range of benefits for athletes, like reducing inflammation and aiding muscle fibre regeneration. Not only that, but they improve mood, stabilise energy levels and can aid weight loss.

Blood pressure is also affected: it’s significantly lowered by flaxseeds and they also play a role in maintaining the heart's natural rhythm.

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Fight cancer with flaxseed

Phytochemicals called lignans are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. Flaxseed contains up to 800 times more lignans that other plant foods.

Observational studies have shown lignans reduce the occurrence of breast cancer. But it doesn’t stop there.

Forget merely ‘observational’ benefits: a Canadian study of 6,000 women concluded that those who ate flaxseeds were 18% less likely to develop breast cancer due to inhibited tumour incidence and growth.

That’s astonishing.

Way to go, little flaxseed.

Full fibre for heart health

Flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibre which together maintain blood sugar levels and ‘feed’ good bacteria, aiding gut and digestive health. Fibre is good for both cardiovascular health and weight loss, for those looking to shift a pound or two.

Further health benefits of flaxseed

Flaxseeds also:

  • Contain vitamins E, K, C, B1, B3, B5 and B6 are all found in flaxseed
  • Are a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus
  • Are 18% protein
  • Have skin and hair health benefits with essential fatty acids
  • Reduce cholesterol
  • Lower risk of heart attack