Flax goes back to antiquity and was treasured for its healing properties. It fell out favor, however, because of fast rancidity and a short shelf life.
In recent years, flax has been rediscovered as a health food, rich in soluble fiber and containing high quality protein, offering omega-3s, lignans and carotene.
Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
Offering a host of vitamins and minerals, flax seeds also contain substances that combat killer diseases.
- Flax and Omega-3--Studies have validated the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in relation to human health and flax is believed to be one of the best sources of omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides, preventing build-up of harmful deposits in arteries, which can lead to stroke, thromboses, and heart attack.
- Flax Seed Nutrition--Flax seeds contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E, the minerals iron and zinc, plus smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Flax Seeds and Lignans--Flax is one of the richest sources of lignans. A spotlight has been focused on the cancer fighting properties of lignans—especially in relation to breast and colon cancer in humans. It is believed that lignans also have anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.
- Flax Seeds and Carotene--Flax seeds contain carotene. Carotenes are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, which may protect humans against certain cancers.
As if the foregoing weren’t enough, flax also offers additional health benefits. Flax consumption is supportive of immune and colon health, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, and provides health-protective fats.
- Flax Oil and Immune Health—Studies have shown that flax oil can reduce respiratory infections in children and that substances in flax (lignans and ALA) can protect against inflammation, which plays a role in immune function.
- Flax Seeds and Colon Health--Flax packs a three-fold punch in relation to colon health. Flax seeds contain fiber, are a natural lubricant, and have anti-cancer properties. One tablespoon of flax seeds soaked in ½ cup of water produces a soft gel. This natural mixture supports good bowel function.
- Flax and Diabetes— Flax lowers blood glucose and can stabilize blood sugar levels, thereby reducing severity of diabetes.
- Flax and Fat—We’ve all heard about the dangers of trans fats and saturated fats. Flax contains fats high in essential fatty acids--the beneficial fats that actually increase the body’s metabolic rate, helping to burn unhealthy fats. Through a process called thermogenesis, particular fat cells burn more fat when activated by essential fatty acids.
Flax seeds can be consumed whole or ground or taken in the form of flax seed oil capsules.
- Grind flax seeds in a flax seed grinder and sprinkle over cereal or add to muffins.
- Add 1 tbsp. ground flax seeds to fruit smoothies.
- Add flax seeds to increase nutritive value of homemade bread.
Opting to consume flax seeds can be a health-protective measure. As present research indicates, flax plays an important role in diet and human health.
Sources:
- Gursche Siegfried, Fantastic Flax, Alive Books, April 2002
- Flax--a Healthy Food, Flax Council of Canada
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Flax Seeds
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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