Flax Seed

Species Name:  L. usitatissimum.

Also known as: Linseed.

Although flaxseed oil contains many of the essential oils the body needs, the flaxseed itself also contains essential nutrients that are not absorbed by simply consuming the oil.

What is Flax Seed: Both flax oil and flax seeds are now recognized as true health foods. Flax is certainly not a new food; in fact, it is one of the older and maybe even one of the original “health foods” because of its healing properties. It was actually one of the original medicines that Hippocrates used.

Home Remedies Using Flax Seed:

Benefits of Flax Seed:

Because of its high concentration of alpha linolenic acids, flax seed has become the new miracle food. ALA is a plant-derived Omega-3 fatty acid that is similar to those in fatty fish such as salmon.

Although flaxseed oil is a concentrated source of ALA, it does not contain other beneficial ingredients that are found in the actual seed of the flax plant.

Fiber and lignin are two ingredients that are in the flax seed itself rather than its oil, and lignin is a form of the antioxidant phytoestrogen. Recent studies concerning lignin’s ability to fight disease, especially cancer, are promising.

Lignin possesses anti-cancer properties according to recent studies with results being the most promising in the prevention of breast cancer. Researchers believe it works because lignin metabolites bind to estrogen receptors, thus preventing the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.

Other benefits of flax seeds include the following:

• They contain a high quality protein
• They are rich in soluble fiber
• They contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E, and carotene in addition to iron, zinc, and minimal amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium
• They contain an abundant amount of a phytonutrient called lignin that has possible anti-cancer properties
• Possibly flush excess estrogen from the body, thus reducing the potential for estrogen-linked cancers

Uses of Flax Seed:

• Lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
• Lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
• Prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer
• Promotion of cardiovascular health
• Promotion of colon health
• Boost immune system
• Provide brain-building fats
• Promote healthy skin
• Lessen the severity of diabetes
• Increase the metabolic rate
• Sprinkle ground flax seed on foods such as cereal and salads
• Substitute a flax seed mixture for eggs in baking
• Substitute flax seed oils for other oils (not good for cooking)
• In capsule form as a dietary supplement

Side Effects of Flax Seed:

Some bothersome side effects may cause bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea due to increased fiber. Starting with a low dose of flax seed and slowly increasing over time may help with the digestive side effects.