What Are The
Natural Healthy Properties of Flaxseed?
by
Rachel Gillespe
Flaxseed oil, which was cited by Hippocrates as a medicine, is
recently making a comeback in popularity as modern man has
discovered the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids. Nutty flavored
flaxseed oil is highly concentrated with this heart healthy
unsaturated fat. Some of the benefits of Omega 3 acids include
its positive effect on high blood pressure, the immune system,
inflammatory disorders, and some cancers. Flaxseed oil has also
proven beneficial in treating in treating eczema.
Both the seed and oil variety of flax are heart healthy due to
the Omega 3 fatty acid. This type of fat is important to the
development of cell membranes and the regulation of blood
pressure. It also has a positive effect on lowering the body’s
bad cholesterol levels and might even lower the chances of
blood clotting thus preventing heart attacks.
Flax seeds themselves have even more health benefits than the
oil.
These seeds have a hard shell and are slightly bigger than
sesame seeds. The seeds contain fiber, protein, minerals, B
vitamins and lignins. Lignin, a phytonutrient, is believed to
have anti cancer properties, especially, estrogen linked
varieties such as breast cancer. Lignins are also noted for
their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal abilities.
Flaxseeds are high in fiber which can be taken regularly as a
natural laxative and help prevent colon cancer and ease the
symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This type of fiber is
also believed to be beneficial for those struggling to maintain
their blood sugar levels.
Women may also benefit from adding flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
to their diet as there are some studies that suggest it assists
in promoting natural ovulation as well as having a positive
effect on hormones which eases pre-menopausal symptoms.
After reading about some of the benefits the flaxseed offers
one may be interested in ways to incorporate them into their
diet. First, keep in mind that the seeds need to be ground to
experience their health effects; otherwise they just quickly
pass through and exit the body. Also, flaxseed oil, like all
other oils high in essentially fatty acids is not meant for
cooking with. The heating process has a negative effect. Simply
add the oil to foods once prepared such as vegetables and
pastas.
As mentioned, the flaxseeds can be ground much like flour and
therefore can be baked into many foods, including breads,
muffins, and pancakes. As the flaxseed has increased in
popularity it can also be found in ready to eat cereals and
bars. Or, one can simply grind the seeds and toss them on
salads, vegetables, etc.
One caution is that some people may be allergic to flaxseeds.
About The Author: Rachel Gillespe is a staff writer at
http://www.womens-digest.com and is an occasional contributor
to several other websites, including
http://www.wellness-digest.com.
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