Is flax seed the new wonder food?
Preliminary studies show that flax seed may help fight everything from heart disease and diabetes to breast cancer.
The tiny but mighty flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. While its technically not a grain, its vitamin and mineral profile is similar to grains but flax seed kicks butt in fiber, antioxidants and those all important Omega-3’s.
This little wonder shows evidence that it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, quite a tall order for a tiny seed that’s been around for centuries.
King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the health benefits of flax seed that he passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it. Mondern day experts are gathering evidence that Charlemagne suspected.
Flax seed is rich in all sorts of healthy components, but there are three primary players:
Omega-3 essential fatty acids: these are the “good” fats that have heart-healthy effects. You’ll get about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3’s for each tablespoon you consume. Omega-3 fatty acids are the key force against inflammation in our bodies and increasing evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers.
Inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (fish, flax and walnuts) in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake…an important ration that flax seed helps to equalize.
Phytochemicals: Flax seed is high in phytochemicals including many important antioxidants and may be the best source of lignans. Lignans which convert in our intestines to substances that tend to balance female hormones and there is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce menopausal symptoms, as well as offering anti-cancer properties.
Lignanas may also help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Lignans contain both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities and contain 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
Fiber: Last but not least of the three is fiber. Flax seed reigns supreme when it comes to fiber and you’d be hard pressed to find a food higher in fiber-both soluble and insoluble than flax. Fiber in the diet helps stabilize blood sugar, promotes proper functioning of the intestines and is mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax.
NOTE: It’s important to understand that flax seeds to be ground to make all those wonderful nutrients available (otherwise they just pass-through and flax seed oil itself contains neither the fiber nor the phytochemicals of whole flax seed meal.
Flax seed is low in carbs…another important benefit, making it ideal for people limiting their intake of starches and sugars. For those of you struggling to keep your weight stable, flax seeds healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance. In fact, many dieters have found that flax seed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied.
If you’re ready to take charge of your life, eat healthier and avoid playing “rebound” with your weight I can help with “Rebound Free Weight Loss”…the key to keeping weight off starts with your health. Let’s get you healthy first and the weight problem disappears and stays off as a result. You just need the right coaching.
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