The Many Benefits of Flaxseed
Flaxseed is an ancient food that has been known for its health benefits for centuries. In nature it is a small blue flower with a small brown or golden seed. You can buy the whole seeds at most grocery and health food stores. It is best to buy organic whole flaxseed and grind it yourself. A small electric coffee grinder works best.
The seeds are also compressed into flaxseed oil that has some of the benefits of the actual seeds. The oil has a lubricating effect on the skin and cells, but lacks the fiber that is most helpful in the diet.
You can add ground flaxseed to most of your favorite foods without it affecting the taste. “Sneak” it in and add the healthful benefit to your favorite foods. Generally add 1 tablespoon per serving in your favorite recipes. Flaxseed has a mild nutty flavor if you taste it at all.
The suggested use is to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day for anyone except pregnant and lactating women. Please consult your health care provider regarding use of flaxseed as a supplement in your diet.
You can add ground flaxseed to most of your favorite foods without it affecting the taste. “Sneak” it in and add the healthful benefit to your favorite foods. Generally add 1 tablespoon per serving in your favorite recipes. Flaxseed has a mild nutty flavor if you taste it at all.
The latest research is providing more and more evidence that flaxseed has many health benefits. Here is a list of possible benefits to using flaxseed in your diet.
Flaxseed:
Is a rich source of omega fatty acids and lignans along with vitamins and phytonutrients, not to mention a great source of fiber.
Has both soluble and insoluble fiber. You can’t get better than that.
Is a rich source of antioxidants and can support the immune system.
May have a protective effect against cancer, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
Can reduce inflammation in the colon, which can reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
May reduce breast pain.
May help the healing process in lung injuries.
In animal studies the ALA in flax seed inhibited tumor incidence and growth.
Has anti-inflammatory benefits that can prevent the effects of heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, arthritis and skin disorders like eczema.
May normalize heartbeat.
May prevent hardening of the arteries.
May help your cholesterol levels by decreasing your LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) levels.
May improve blood sugar levels for diabetics and because of this may also help stabilize weight.
Has an effect on hormone levels and may normalize the menstrual cycle in younger women.
May reduce hot flashes in menopausal women.
May lower blood pressure.
Can increase energy and vitality.
May help with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Resources:
Web MD discussed benefits of flaxseed
National Institute of Health on Flaxseed
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/sep/2008/improves.cfm