Flaxseed Oil is a powerhouse of nutrition and has shown to provide several health benefits. It is used to aid in digestion, helps to lower cholesterol, combats cancers and assist in sugar metabolism for those suffering from diabetes. Did you know that Flaxseeds is one of the richest sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids and having around one hundred times more cancer-fighting lignans than any other food? That is why I encourage you to incorporate this superfood into your diet.
The Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce joint inflammation. Many experts on health, such as Dr. Koop, the well-known Surgeon General, urge people to consume Omega 3 rich foods. In a study cited in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in January of 1996, subjects taking flax oil every day averaged a 30% reduction in inflammation. Biomarkers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein are also reduced. N-6 levels are reduced in cell membranes, and there is a decreased in the n-6:n-3 ratio in phospholipids. There is also an increase in an anti-inflammatory compound, interleukin-6.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: STRESS & DEPRESSION
The Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) in flax seed is the source of the Omega 3 fatty acids. A key one is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). This fatty acid is crucial to brain function, and is often deficient in modern people.
DHA is important for brain development in children, for calming in the face of stress, for mental acuity, and for memory. Having enough of it makes one calmer and smarter, and it may prevent the development of dementia.
Further, lignans, highly valuable protective antioxidants and are far more abundant in flax seed, as much as 800 times more than that found in any other plant food. Certain phytoestrogens among these lignans have special cancer-preventing benefits.
The lignans are much more abundant in the whole seed than in the expelled oil. Most antioxidants are lost in the process of expelling the oil.
Even The National Institute has considered the benefits of flaxseed worthy of further research for its cancer-fighting qualities. Raising the amount of fiber intake is known to lower the risk of colon cancer.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: TREATING CANCER
Dr. Budwig’s studies on the anti-cancer benefits of flax seed suggested that it was important to have a protein food to be eaten with flax oil so that lipo-proteins could be formed to deliver the Essential Fatty Acids.
The mixing of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese allows for a chemical reaction to take place between the sulfur protein in the cottage cheese and the oil, which makes the oil water soluble for easy absorption into your cells.
She offered cottage cheese as a source of lipo-proteins. (Proteins serve as carriers in the body for other nutrients to be received by cells as nourishment.)
Actually, the whole milled flax seed with its 22% protein, including all the essential amino acids, is a much better way of providing those needed proteins with the essential fats — all contained in the same food
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: LOWERING CHOLESTEROL & PREVENTING HEART DISEASE
A combination of the Alpha Linoleic Acid (source of Omega 3 fatty acids), the lignans (protective anti-oxidants), and the superior soluble fiber in whole flax seed, will do the best job of lowering (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. The effectiveness of flaxseed in this regard is well-established.
In a British study, a group of young healthy women averaging 24 years old, was fed a diet including 50 grams of ground flax seed per day. In just 4 weeks, total cholesterol was down 9 percent, while bad LDL cholesterol was reduced by 18 percent.
Omega 3 fatty acids also help prevent formation of blood clots that might bring on a heart attack or stroke. Arteries will be cleaner and more pliable.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: TREATING COLON ILLNESSES
Flaxseeds provide the perfect blend of soluble and insoluble fiber for the better health of the intestinal tract. One ounce of flaxseed meets 32% of the USDA’s reference amount for fiber.
Consumed with plenty of pure water, flax seed softens the stool and makes bowel elimination easier, a blessing to those with any level of constipation.
Much of the flax seed health benefit in this area is from the mucilage, the unique soluble fiber that is so soothing and cleansing to the digestive tract. This eases elimination while increasing the volume and soothing irritation at the same time. Also flax gently cleans excess mucus and other debris from the small intestine, improving absorption.
Flax is appreciated greatly by the whole spectrum of those with intestinal problems, from constipation to irritable bowel.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: TREATING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Another major benefit of flax seed oil is the regulating your blood pressure due to its high Omega 3 content. If you have hypertension, Supplementing with either flaxseed or flaxoil to your diet will provide many health benefits.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: BOOSTING THE CARIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
By lowering the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, flaxseed oil can help your cardiovascular system, and overall health of your heart.
Control constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders. Because they are high in soluble fiber, ground flaxseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: HELP REVERSE DIABETES
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and many are unaware they even have the disease. Roasted flax seed contains high amounts of fiber, and studies have revealed that increasing soluble fiber consumption can reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Menstrual Problems
Flax seed, like soybeans, is rich in phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have effects like the hormone, estrogens. These can help with all kinds of female problems, including irregular menstruation. In addition If you suffer from other “female problems” such as painful menstrual cramps, endometriosis or infertility, the plant estrogens and lignans in flaxseed oil may also benefit you
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SKIN AND HAIR
The quality of the skin, hair and nails are improved by the flax oil. Many people have had their skin problems improved.
BENEFIT OF FLAXSEED: ENHANCING WEIGHTLOSS
Flax oil also helps with weight loss. Some of the most popular weight-loss product packages have flax oil as a key component. This oil emulsifies fat in the body and moves it along.
These are some of the benefits of flax seed and flax oil. Flax seed oil also contains. Flax Seed also contains protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. A Superior food if ever I have found one!