Flax
Flax, also known as Linseed is a member of the Linaccae family. Because of the widespread ancient cultivation, its native range is not known but historians believe it originated in southeastern Europe and southwest Asia. Flax has been used for a variety of purposes having been grown for its seed and fiber. Parts of the plant have been used for paper, dye, fabric, soap, medicines, and fishing nets. It is also grown as an ornamental plant for gardens. The seeds produce an oil called linseed oil or flaxseed oil which has been used centuries for industrial purposes. The seeds have been used for health purposes as far back as the Roman Empire.
Both the seed and oil have many health benefits but the most benefits come from the whole seed as it has fiber. Here is a list of its multiple health benefits:
It will lower cholesterol up to 20 percent while decreasing LDL, the bad cholesterol and increasing HDL, the good cholesterol. Research in studies confirms the cholesterol benefits of flax seed which improve your heart health.
Flax seed lowers triglycerides which is also confirmed in research. This is another health benefit that improves your heart health.
Flax seed is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acid which is the most important fat that the body must have for maximum health. This fat is the same fat you get from cold water fish such as salmon and the same fat that is in fish oil. Omega 3 fat has a multiple number of health benefits of its own.
Flax seed is a major source of plant lignans which balance the hormone levels. Research has indicated lignans help to eliminate hot flashes in menopausal women. The lignans in flax seed also protect against cancer. Women who take flax seed have a lower risk of breast cancer, and men who take flax seed have a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Flax seed has abundant fiber which includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. The roughage of insoluble fiber prevents constipation. Soluble fiber is filling and helps with weight control.
To start taking flax seed the seed must be ground up and the easiest way to do it is to use a coffee grinder or blender. Take two tablespoons full each day in water or soy milk or it can be sprinkled on food. When mixed with soy milk, it tastes great, just like a milk shake. If you put half a teaspoon of cinnamon in the soy milk, you will not only enhance the milk shake, you will also protect your body against insulin resistance. The best flax seed to use is the golden brown flax seed which can be obtained at health food stores. Only grind up enough to use each day as the ground up flax seed may get rancid if not used promptly.
