There are so many seeds, legumes and green leafy offerings on the market,

sometimes it’s too overwhelming to guess which one is right for you, let alone being able to pronounce half of the names correctly (I mean, how exactly do you say acai?). So, let’s take it back about 6000 years when we were first introduced to flax seeds.

I bet most of you have unknowingly tantalised your tastebuds with one of the world’s first cultivated superfoods, the flax seed. That’s right, those little golden treats that manage to lodge themselves into your pearly smile after chowing down on the savoury muffin or cookie you bought from your local hipster café. These parcels of golden goodness are one of nature’s richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, known as alpha-linolenic acid (more commonly ALA). Now here’s the thing, flax seeds rank number one (1) source of lignans in human diets. Lignans are antioxidants that have both soluble and insoluble fibre and have a massive range of health benefits.

Admit it, we all get a little cranky at times and lignans could be just the thing to slow the cranky old pants from creeping in. They can help to balance hormone levels in the body. In women, lignans assist with the balance of oestrogen levels and may aid with menopausal symptoms. In men, they can help stabilise the testosterone-DHT relationship which may improve prostate health too. They can also encourage a reduction of the stress hormone Cortisol, and that has to be good news for everyone.

• With the high range of contained fibre, further health benefits of lignans and flax seeds are the support of colon detoxification, weight loss and a reduction of sugar cravings. The ALA in flax can help reduce gut inflammation.
• Flax seeds are low in carbs and can keep food in the stomach for longer.
• Their soluble fibre content traps fat and cholesterol in the digestive system, so that is it unable to be absorbed. This, in turn, can help reduce cholesterol levels.
• Flax seeds are gluten-free and may also be a good alternative to omega-3 fats in fish for people with a seafood allergy.

And it’s not only about guts and digestion, but flax seeds are also a great little friend for your hair and skin. The fats in flax seeds can help with reducing dryness and flakiness and can improve symptoms of acne, rosacea and eczema.

So instead of plonking another teaspoon of sugar into your regular Nescafe, grab a cup of Bondi Beach Tea Co. Colon Cleanse Tea and sip that sucker back. This tea is packed with nature’s flax seed goodies and your body, your mind, and especially your stomach, will thank you for that later.