In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 acids also play an important role in fat metabolism. Just 10g (tablespoon) of ground flaxseed per day allows the body to burn fat more efficiently. This is useful to know for those who want to lose weight, and for athletes who need to save glycogen consumption from muscle tissue. When the body gets used to using its own fats as fuel, with regular exercise and proper nutrition, endurance increases significantly. To better understand the role of omega-3 acids, let’s compare two athletes in the same physical condition. One of them relies only on his body’s ability to burn carbohydrates, while the other “drowns” his body with high-quality fats as well. The first athlete will be able to accumulate enough glycogen for only an hour and a half of training, after which he will need to eat again, otherwise the intensity of his training will drop sharply. The second athlete, whose diet includes foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, will be able to draw strength from his fat layer. This means that he has two sources of energy, therefore, during training, glycogen will be consumed twice as slowly, which makes him more enduring and more slender. Flaxseed also contains a lot of potassium, which is an electrolyte – it is responsible for the proper functioning of muscles during physical exertion. Potassium is excreted from the body with sweat, so athletes need to constantly replenish their potassium reserves. In addition, potassium regulates fluid balance in the body by helping cells retain moisture. Flax seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, which in turn helps control blood insulin levels and maintain energy levels. Soluble fiber gives a feeling of fullness and “turns off” the feeling of hunger. Therefore, people who want to lose weight can include more soluble fiber foods in their diet. Insoluble fiber keeps the digestive system healthy. It cleanses the intestines and helps the body eliminate toxins. Flax seeds also have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is a whole food containing whole proteins, essential amino acids and enzymes that are easily absorbed by the body and improve the functioning of the immune system. It is better to buy flaxseeds, not flaxseed meal. Only whole seeds contain healthy oils, nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Flour is obtained from cake after oil extraction and is used in the confectionery industry. Buy flaxseeds, grind them in a coffee grinder, and store them in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container (up to 3 months). It is very important to grind flaxseeds, because due to the hard shell, whole seeds are not digested by the body. Translation: Lakshmi
2022-11-11