Are you having eyesight issues and wondering if flax seeds could help? Well, we have put together research findings about the properties in flax seeds and what they offer.
Indeed, the eyes bring light to the other parts of the body, because they help guide the body when it comes to seeing and making decisions about our movements.
If your eyes are functional right now, you should know that there are nutrients that the eyes need to work optimally.
If these nutrients are regularly provided, an individual’s eyesight will be amazing.
You se, food is one basic source of these nutrients that the eyes need to function optimally.
People explore different foods to boost eyesight and flax seeds are some of the food items they consider.
Why is flax seed so important in your diet as far as your eyes are concerned?
Flax seeds contain nutrients that can potentially benefit eye health and here are some of them.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flax seeds are a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
Omega-3s play a role in eye health, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye syndrome.
Harvard medical school in a publication quoted a study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science as saying that DHA, one of the three forms of omega-3 fatty acids, prevented age-related vision loss in lab mice (1).
Basically, your body coverts the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seeds into Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which is the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The omega-3s in flax seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help in managing inflammation in the eyes, which could be beneficial for conditions like dry eyes (2).
3. Lignans And Antioxidants
Also, flax seeds contain lignans and antioxidants that can help neutralise free radicals.
When this happens, it protects the eyes from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
4. Potential Vision Support
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that the nutrients in flax seeds might contribute to overall eye health, supporting vision and potentially reducing the risk of certain eye conditions (3).
Furthermore, incorporating flax seeds into a balanced diet, alongside other nutrient-rich foods and following proper eye care, can contribute to maintaining healthy vision.
However, consulting with an eye care professional or a healthcare provider is advisable for personalised advice regarding eye health and nutrition.
Improving eyesight solely through flax seeds might not be conclusive, but including them in your diet could support eye health.
Here’s how to incorporate flax seeds in your diet:
1. Ground Flax Seeds
Grind flax seeds to maximise nutrient absorption. Add a tablespoon of ground flax seeds to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or cereals.
2. Flaxseed Oil
Use flaxseed oil in dressings or as a finishing oil for dishes like salads. It’s crucial to use cold-pressed oil and store it properly to maintain its nutritional benefits.
3. Baking
Incorporate ground flax seeds into baked goods like muffins, bread, or pancakes for added nutritional value.
4. Flaxseed Gel
Create a gel by soaking flax seeds in water. Use this gel as an egg substitute in recipes for baked goods, providing a nutritious alternative.
5. Sprinkling
Sprinkle whole or ground flax seeds on salads, soups, or cooked vegetables as a crunchy and nutritious topping.
6. Smoothies
Also, you can blend flax seeds into smoothies along with fruits and vegetables for an added nutritional boost.
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Remember, while flax seeds contain nutrients beneficial for your eye health, maintaining good eye health involves a variety of factors such as regular eye check-ups, a balanced diet, protecting eyes from harmful UV rays, and minimising eye strain from screens.
Incorporating flax seeds into a well-rounded diet can be a part of supporting overall eyesight.
Consulting an eye care professional for personalised advice is recommended for specific eye health concerns.