The superfood every man should add to his diet for multiple health boosts

Trying to eat healthily can feel daunting, especially with the sheer abundance of health advice available online these days. But incorporating one nutritious type of seed into your everyday diet could have incredible results on your health, especially if you're a man.

Flax seeds could be the game-changer you need to improve your overall health and wellbeing. And gut health expert Dr Alan Desmond paired up with Linwoods Health Foods to share the science-backed benefits of eating them.

As a Consultant Gastroenterologist and bestselling author, Dr Desmond knows first-hand how powerful these tiny seeds can be for men’s health.

READ MORE: 'I'm a dog trainer - here are five ways to make your pet feel loved'

READ MORE: Women on State Pension due back payments of nearly £8,000 this year

These tiny seeds are a nutritional powerhouse packed with fibre, healthy fats, and plant-based compounds that can help keep your heart, waistline, and even your prostate in top condition.

Here are five reasons men should incorporate these superseeds into their everyday diets.

1. They’re great for your heart

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for men in the UK and Ireland, but flax seeds may offer one natural way to look after the most important muscle in your body.

Packed with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, they may help reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and arterial stiffness, and research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that men who consume more ALA have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

Add a tablespoon of milled flaxseed to your morning porridge or blend it into a smoothie to protect your ticker from harm.

2. They help lower cholesterol

The fibre in flax seeds binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract, helping your body flush it out before it can cause you any problems. A study in Nutrition Research found that eating flaxseed can significantly lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Lowering cholesterol is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease.

3. They help to protect your prostate health

Prostate health is particularly important for men over 40. Flax seeds are rich in plant-based compounds known as lignans, that boast properties that may protect your prostate.

Research suggests that flaxseed supplementation may help lower PSA levels (a marker of prostate health) and may even slow the growth of prostate cancer cells, meaning that protecting your prostate can be as simple as sprinkling ground flaxseed over your favourite cereal or mixing it into a plant-based yoghurt.

4. They can help you stay slim

Fibre found in flax seeds can keep you feel fuller and satisfied for longer, stabilise your blood sugar levels and may reduce cravings, making you less likely the snack and more likely to drop a few pounds.

Stirring a spoonful of ground flaxseed into soups, curries, or pancake batter is a simple way to feel full without overloading on calories.

5. They keep your gut happy

Good digestion is the foundation of overall health, and flaxseeds are brilliant for keeping everything in your gut running smoothly. With their unique combination of soluble and insoluble fibre, they may help prevent constipation, regulate bowel movements, and support a healthy gut microbiome.

And studies show that flax seeds act as a prebiotic, nourishing the good bacteria in your gut and improving your digestion.

How to Add Flax seeds to your daily routine

Ground flax seeds are easier for your body to digest than whole seeds. You can find them in most supermarkets and health food shops across the UK, usually in the baking or cereal aisle.

Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh, and aim to consume about one to two tablespoons a day. Whether you want to protect your heart, look after your prostate, or simply support your digestion, adding flaxseeds to your diet is a no-brainer.

But remember, if you’re managing a medical condition or taking medication, check in with your GP before making any significant changes to your diet.