The Facts On Flax

Flax seed oil is the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a member of the omega -3 essential fatty acid family.  Because our body is unable to manufacture essential fatty acids (EFAs), they must be consumed through our diet.  Here are just a few of the health benefits of omega -3 essential fatty acids.


They:

• have the ability to thin the blood and reduce blood clotting.
• are helpful for all forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
• promote brain and eye development.
• help prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
• improve immune function.
• help to control viral infection.
• reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• lower the risk of heart attach, stroke, and hardening of the arteries.
• improve psoriasis and are beneficial for healthy skin. 

In addition to flax seed oil, other good sources of omega -3 essential fatty acids include all dark-green leafy vegetables, cold water oily fish, walnuts and other nuts, tofu, eggs from hens feed a diet rich in omega -3 grains, pumpkinseed oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and walnut oil.

Flax seed is also the richest known source of lignans – naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants.  A type of phytoestrogen (estrogen-like chemicals), lignans also act as antioxidants.  Lignans have numerous biological effects including:

• helps lower cholesterol levels.
• protects against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
• blocks body chemicals known as prostaglandins.
• inhibits the production of estrogen by fatty tissues.
• protects against heart disease.
• helps to prevent the formation of gallstones.      
• helps prevent osteoporosis.

In addition to flax seed, other good sources of lignans include barley, legumes, millet, oats, fatty fish, plums, rice, soybeans, spelt, walnuts, and wheat.

Other key nutrients contained in flax seed include, protein, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and many of the B vitamins. 

Sprinkle flax seed on soup, salad, cereal, and yogurt.  Flax seed flour and ground flax seed can be added to breads, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods.   

There’s no doubt about it.  Once you know the facts on flax, you know it’s really good for you.
Please note: if you are taking blood-thinning medication, whether prescription drug or an over-the-counter agent like aspirin, you should avoid taking large amounts of omega -3 in supplement form.  As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns. 

Read articles by Joanne Jackson CHN at

http://www.mywealthofhealthblog.blogspot.com/