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.
Genesis 1:29 "And God said,
'Behold I have given every herb-bearing seed which is
upon the face of all the earth and every tree, in
which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed: to you it
shall be for meat'."
