3 min read · Oct 19, 2023
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Brain health is a long-term asset that is essential for living a productive and happy life. We all want to maintain our ability to think, remember, and focus throughout our lives. However, the changes that occur in brain function with age or the pressures received in daily life can be a challenge that is certainly not easy to overcome.
To maintain and improve brain health, quite a few of us are looking for natural and sustainable ways to do so. One food ingredient that is getting attention in this regard is flaxseed or hemp seeds. These seemingly simple little seeds have a long history of use as a source of nutrition, as well as a variety of shocking health benefits involving brain health.
Flaxseed or hemp seeds originate from the Middle East Region and are one of the oldest crops known by humans. Flaxseed fossils from around 30,000 years ago have been found in this region. Flaxseed is a rich source of fiber and oil used in food and as fuel for ancient oil lamps. Meanwhile, ancient Egyptians were known to have used flaxseed as a staple food found in bread and other foods. The Romans consumed flaxseed as a staple food. Over time, flaxseed has been used in natural products and nutritional supplementation. The oil produced from ground flaxseed and flaxseed is now part of many healthy recipes.
One of the nutritional contents of flaxseed that has benefits in maintaining brain health is omega 3 fatty acids. The type of omega 3 found in flaxseed is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) then it will convert into two other types of omega 3, namely EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega 3 has an anti-inflammatory function, protecting brain cells from stress conditions due to excessive free radicals and cell damage, helping to improve cognitive function (memory, attention, and problem-solving), as well as a neurotransmitter regulator that plays a role in mood regulation ( serotonin and dopamine). The benefits of meeting omega-3 needs can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases (progressive loss of neuronal structure or function), maintain mental health, and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
Flaxseed can be consumed in various ways. Among others are:
1. Consume flaxseed whole by adding it to various dishes, such as yogurt, cereal, smoothies, or salads. The texture is crunchy and often used as a topping on food.
2. Flaxseed is also available in powder form. Flaxseed powder can be mixed into bread, cake, or pancake butter, or mixed into soup, sauce, or smoothies.
3. Mix flaxseed oil into salad dressings, and marinades, or use as an oil for sautéing vegetables.
4. Consume it in supplement forms, such as flaxseed oil capsules or capsules containing flaxseed powder.
In maintaining and maintaining brain health, comprehensive care, such as consuming a variety of foods rich in nutrients, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and healthy stress management, plays an important role. It means that to maintain brain health and create a life full of cognitive potential, flaxseed can be an option in a variety of daily foods. Don’t forget to always maintain balance by consuming other healthy foods, maintaining physical fitness, and taking care of our mental health. With this holistic approach, we can achieve the best benefits for our brain health.
