Bloating to high cholesterol: A common seed can be the answer, a top gastroenterologist reveals

Always bloated? Or maybe mood swings are getting the better of you? Or is it high cholesterol that’s troubling you? While these concerns may be unrelated, a common seed that’s probably lying in your pantry could be the fix. Yes, that’s right. In his latest newsletter, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, revealed that a common seed, which is also affordable, may improve digestion, balance hormones, and even control cholesterol levels. What’s the miracle seed? Let’s take a look.

A seed that can balance your hormones and reduce bloating

‘If you’re dealing with bloating, mood swings, or high cholesterol, there’s one seed that could help fix all three problems: flaxseeds,’ the doctor revealed. Flaxseeds, also known as common flax or linseeds, originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago. These seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. According to the USDA, one tablespoon (10 grams) of whole flaxseeds contains:

Flaxseeds for bloating and hormonal control

Dr Sethi explained that flaxseeds improve gut health and help with hormone balance. ‘Here’s what makes them powerful: they’re packed with omega-3s that fight inflammation in your gut. This helps reduce bloating and supports hormone balance naturally,’ he said.

‘The omega-3s in flaxseeds help calm inflammation throughout your digestive system. Plus, they contain special compounds called lignans that have been studied for cancer prevention. When your gut inflammation goes down, your bloating decreases and your mood improves,’ the doctor said. How flaxseeds help control cholesterol levels High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Adding flaxseeds to a well-balanced, nutritious diet may help lower it. A 2015 trial published in The Journal of Nutrition found that flaxseed consumption led to an additional 8.5% reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol, even beyond the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications. The high fibre and lignan content in flaxseeds is what leads to their cholesterol-lowering effects. A 2009 study published in the journal Canadian Science found that these substances bind with cholesterol-rich bile acids, carrying them down the digestive tract. This action leads to reduced cholesterol levels in the body.

Most people are eating flaxseeds the wrong way

While flaxseeds are loaded with nourishing nutrients, most people are eating them wrong. ‘Most people make a huge mistake: they eat flaxseeds whole,’ the doctor said. Why can’t you eat whole flaxseeds? "Here’s the problem: your body can’t break down whole flaxseeds. They pass right through you without giving you any benefits," Dr Sethi said.

The right way to consume flaxseeds

According to Dr Sethi, you should always grind your flaxseeds. ‘Use one tablespoon in smoothies three–four times per week. Store ground flaxseeds in the fridge. Grind only what you need for the week,’ he said. You can also add flaxseeds to your oatmeal or yoghurt. ‘The combination of fibre from both sources creates the perfect food for your good gut bacteria,’ the doctor said. Maintaining good health is not really about taking expensive supplements or eating fancy foods. Sometimes, humble ingredients from your kitchen could be the answer to a healthier tomorrow. So, start grinding flaxseeds, and your body will thank you.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.