Health Benefits of Flax Seed

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If you have not heard about Flax Seed, have a read of this and head down to your health food store to find out more.
Flax seed is available in full seeds or in a ground up form. The ground form makes for easy sprinkling on other foods. Another alternative, is just to dilute some ground flax seed  in water, I have been doing this, normally I will leave them soak over night and drink them down in the morning. Flax seeds take up water, they are able to absorb 10 times their volume in water, so drink water with them, you don’t want the benefits to backfire and end up constipated.

Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in oils such as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help.

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Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber – both soluble and insoluble – than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.

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Flax Seed is High in Phytochemicals: Flax seed is high in phytochemicals (Compounds in plants (apart from vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients) that have a beneficial effect the body. There are over 10,000 of them, and they have effects such as antioxidant, boosting the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and cellular repair.)  It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances that tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

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Source of this info: http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/flaxinfo.htm (By Laura Dolson, About.com Guide)

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