These Seeds Can Promote Hormonal Balance, Support Weight Loss And Offer These Many Benefits
When your body produces too much or too little of one or more hormones, it results in a hormonal imbalance, which can lead to various hormone-related conditions. While some hormonal imbalances are temporary, others can be chronic and may require medical treatment. Your diet plays a significant role in this, certain foods are rich in beneficial compounds that can help restore hormonal balance and promote overall health. In this article, we will explore how flaxseeds can affect your hormones.
Flaxseeds for hormones
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse of protein, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals and vitamins. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroentologist, shared in an Instagram post that you should "eat flaxseeds for hormonal balance because they are rich in lignan, which supports estrogen metabolism and reduces gut inflammation."
Flaxseeds are a rich source of phytoestrogens called lignans. These compounds mimic estrogen in the body, helping to balance hormone levels, particularly in women experiencing menopause or hormonal fluctuations.
Additionally, flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. These help maintain hormonal balance.
Some studies suggest that flaxseed can help lengthen the luteal phase, improving ovulation. This also helps reduce PMS symptoms such as breast pain and cramping.
Other health benefits of flaxseeds
1. May help with weight loss
Falxseeds contain a good amount of protein and fibre, which promote a feeling of fullness and support weight management.
2. Improve heart health
Studies indicate that regular consumption of flaxseeds may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
3. Regulate blood sugars
Flaxseeds can improve insulin sensitivity, making them beneficial for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. High fibre content also promotes slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream.
4. Rich in antioxidants
Flaxseeds contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Help prevent constipation
The soluble and insoluble fibre in flaxseeds supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. This can help prevent constipation and improve overall gut function.
From balanced hormones to healthy digestion, flaxseeds offer a variety of health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Taking Melatonin for sleep? Top US doctor says why it alone may not work
Nowadays, sleep has become a luxury. Sleep is the first thing that is thrown under the bus whenever an inconvenience occurs. Sleep is crucial for the body to reset, repair, and recharge. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Getting about 7 to 9 hours of sleep is vital for the proper functioning of the body. Despite its importance, sleep is often overlooked. When people struggle with insomnia and other sleep issues, they reach for supplements, and melatonin is popular among them. But is popping the pill really a fix for your sleep problems? Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, with over 25 years of clinical experience, has shared some interesting facts about melatonin. Let's take a look. What are melatonin supplements (Pic courtesy: iStock) Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in our bodies. It is responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycles, known as the circadian rhythm. When it's dark, it triggers the brain's pineal gland to produce the hormone. This sends signals to the body to start winding down and get to sleep. However, when there is light, the production is suppressed, and it leads to wakefulness. Melatonin supplements work the same way. Other than the sleep-wake cycle, melatonin also helps regulate certain things in the body, such as: blood pressure body temperature blood glucose body weight hormone levels Can melatonin supplements really help to sleep (Pic courtesy: iStock) Melatonin supplements mimic the body's natural hormone melatonin and thereby provide a restful sleep. has consistently shown that melatonin helps to sleep. It may help with certain conditions, such as jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, you might have to do more than just pop the pill, according to Dr. Sethi. 'I wish more people knew this about melatonin and sleep. Taking melatonin with no wind-down routine is like hitting the gas and brake at the same time,' the gastroenterologist said in a video shared on Instagram. The doctor clearly stated that taking the supplement alone 'won't get you anywhere.' Melatonin alone won't work According to , melatonin supplements is not a one-size-fits-all solution for sleep disturbances. It has to be paired with the right factors. He stressed that melatonin supplements work best when paired with good sleep habits. Maintaining proper sleep hygiene will signal your body that it's time to rest. Dr. Sethi noted that going to bed at different times every night is a 'self-induced jet lag'. Yes, that's right. The body will struggle to go into the restful mode if you are inconsistent with your sleep schedule. He also emphasized the importance of sleep, beyond providing rest for the body: ' Sleep fuels your immune system, memory, metabolism - everything.' 'Sleeping Prince' Dies After 20 Years In Coma | Saudi Arabia Grieves, Funeral Preparations Begin So then what should you do? Go to bed at the same time every night The environment is important, so ensure your bedroom is calm, and has the right temperature to provide a restful sleep Dim the lights, as darkness will promote further rest Avoid screens at least 2 hours before bed Avoid caffeine at least 4 hours before sleep Wear clean and comfortable clothes to bed White noise may help with sleep
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
World Brain Day 2025: Harvard says these 12 habits can keep your brain young and sharp
World Brain Day 2025: Harvard says these 12 habits can keep your brain young and sharp World Brain Day is observed on 22 July, serving as a yearly reminder that keeping the mind fit is just as important as caring for the heart. Harvard Health Publishing has recently compiled 12 habits that help slow mental wear and tear. The advice is refreshingly practical: no exotic supplements, just evidence-backed tweaks you can start tonight. Each tip below comes from the Harvard list and decades of cognitive-ageing research. Think of them as levers — pull one, and you nudge memory, focus, and mood in the right direction; pull several, and gains compound over the years. Harvard-recommended ways to keep your brain young Get mental stimulation every day : Reading, crosswords, language apps, woodworking — anything that makes you wrestle with new information forces the brain to sprout fresh connections. Neural 'plasticity' is like muscle: work it, or lose it. Move your body with regular exercise : Thirty minutes of brisk walking pumps oxygen-rich blood to thinking hubs and sparks the growth of new neurons. Exercise also tamps down blood pressure and stress, two big brain-agers. Eat a Mediterranean-style diet : Pile the plate with leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, fish, and beans. This pattern lowers inflammation and supplies the omega-3s, folate, and antioxidants brains crave. Keep blood pressure in the healthy zone : Hypertension in midlife almost doubles dementia risk later on. Stay lean, limit salt and alcohol, manage stress, and take medication if lifestyle fixes don't hit the target. Control blood sugar : Diabetes hurts small vessels that feed memory circuits. Balanced meals, daily movement, and weight control protect glucose levels; medication steps in when those aren't enough. Improve cholesterol numbers : High LDL cholesterol slows blood flow and speeds plaque build-up in the brain. The same trio — exercise, smart eating, no tobacco — shifts the ratio in your favour; statins are a backup plan. Ask your doctor about low-dose aspirin : Some studies link a daily baby aspirin to lower vascular dementia odds, likely by preventing micro-strokes. It's not for everyone, so discuss risks before popping the pill. Avoid tobacco in every form : Nicotine constricts vessels and accelerates oxidative stress. Quitting is the single most powerful lifestyle change for the heart and brain combined. Drink alcohol sparingly : More than two drinks a day shrinks certain brain regions over time. If you imbibe, keep pours modest and schedule regular alcohol-free days. Care for your emotions and your sleep : Anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and chronic insomnia dull concentration and memory. Therapy, mindfulness, and a consistent seven-to-nine-hour sleep window rebuild reserve. Protect your head from injury : Even moderate blows — bike spills, sports knocks, falls — raise long-term cognitive-decline odds. Helmets, fall-proof homes, and seat belts preserve brain cells better than any supplement. Build and nurture social networks : Strong friendships and community ties buffer stress hormones and keep cognitive batteries charged. Weekly catch-ups, volunteering, or group hobbies all count. Also read | Harvard study reveals 17 threats to brain health that quietly boost your risk of stroke and dementia
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Gynaecologist shares 10 ways to prevent gestational diabetes: ‘Add protein to every meal'
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body fails to produce enough insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Although it often presents without symptoms, untreated gestational diabetes can pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby. On June 15, gynaecologist Dr. Suguna Deepti Kapila shared an Instagram post outlining effective ways to prevent it. Also read | Managing gestational diabetes: Diet plan, lifestyle tips for a healthy pregnancy Gestational diabetes ca be avoided.(Shutterstock) The gynaecologist listed down the risk factors of gestational diabetes: Age > 35 Overweight before pregnancy PCOS or hormonal imbalance Family history of diabetes History of big baby or GDM in past pregnancy Here are 10 sustainable ways to lower the risk of gestational diabetes: 1. Eat small meals every 3–4 hours Skipping meals causes sugar spikes, while steady eating keeps blood sugar balanced. 2. Swap white carbs for whole grains Choose brown rice, oats, millets, whole wheat instead of maida and white rice. 3. Add protein to every meal Include paneer, eggs, lentils, curd, tofu; it slows sugar absorption. Also read | Gestational diabetes: Myths and truths you need to know about 4. Walk 20–30 minutes daily Especially after meals, it helps lower sugar levels naturally. 5. Avoid sugary drinks and sweets Say no to packaged juices, sugary tea, sweets. Instead, try fruit, coconut water, or nuts. 6. Focus on fiber‑rich foods Veggies, fruits with skin, whole dals; fiber helps prevent sugar spikes. 7. Limit portion sizes Eating too much, even healthy food, can raise blood sugar. 8. Get 7–8 hours of good sleep Poor sleep increases insulin resistance. 9. Manage stress daily Practice deep breathing, light yoga, or walking. Stress hormones affect sugar levels. 10. Track weight gain with your doctor Healthy weight gain leads to healthier pregnancy and lower gestational diabetes risk. Gestational diabetes is a silent threat In an earlier interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shubhashree Patil, diabetologist and physician, Diabetes & Wellness Clinic, Mumbai explained, 'Often undiagnosed or underestimated, GDM acts as a silent threat, exacerbating conditions such as hypertension, infections, and cardiovascular issues, which may ultimately lead to fatal outcomes. Understanding this link is crucial in promoting awareness, improving maternal care protocols, and ensuring safer pregnancies.' Also read | Diabetes in pregnancy could raise your child's risk of autism and ADHD: Study Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
