Benefits of Flax Seed

The Benefits of Flax Seed

Flax is a lovely blue flowered crop that grows rampant in the prairies and is often mistaken as a wild flower. This delicate plant produces tiny seeds that offer a wide variety of terrific health benefits. These health benefits include:

* Soluble fibers which reduce cholesterol level and therefore lower the risk of heart disease.
* Alpha linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acid to help reduce blood thickness diminishing the chances of blood clots.
* Phytoestrogens which are similar to human estrogen and can be helpful for women during their hormonal cycle or during menopause.
* Flax seed has reduced both the number and size of cancerous tumors in both breast and prostate cancer.

Flax seed can easily be added into a normal diet. It can be added to cereals, breads, muffins, pancakes, and cookies. Additionally, it can be mixed well into fluids like juices, smoothies and applesauce, as well as meat dishes and as a salad or sandwich topper like mayonnaise or mustard.

Flax may reduce the incidence and size of tumors. One small study by Lilian Thompson, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto, showed that the rate of tumor growth in breast cancer patients was reduced when they consumed 25 grams of flax per day.

Flax seed can be used whole, ground, or in oil forms. Flax seed can be ground in a coffee grinder, pepper grinders, or a flax seed grinder which can easily be bought online. Whole flax seed offers fiber which is great for the digestive system and for reducing cholesterol. Grinding flax seed allows the digestive tract to absorb the other available nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and lignans. It is suggested that a combination of both whole and ground flax seed be incorporated into the normal daily diet to get the best health benefits available from flax seed.

Flax seed must be stored properly in all forms. It is extremely sensitive to heat and sunlight. Exposure to either will cause the flax seed to quickly spoil. Store all flax seed in an airtight container in a cool place.