Flaxseed has many health benefits, so it’s no wonder that this
ancient crop which has been around for over 4000 years is
recently been the subject of many medical studies. Rich in
antioxidants, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber in omega-3 fatty
acids, this little seed has been shown to help lower blood
pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides and eat in
preventing clogging of the arteries (atherosclerosis). In
addition, researchers also think it may help stabilize blood
sugar, lower the risk of certain cancers and help reduce
inflammation this is seeded with illnesses such as asthma,
arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.

One important reason to eat flaxseed is to help keep your
heart healthy. In fact, one study showed that a flax seed every
day showed lower cholesterol levels and a reduction in the
tendency to form blood clots in only three months. Flaxseed
contains Alpha linoleic acid (LNA) which your body can convert
into EPA - the beneficial oil found in fish that is said to help
reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. So if you can eat
enough heart healthy fish, you can always add some flax seed to
your diet.

Flax seeds provide fiber and vital nutrients such as magnesium
and other trace minerals and today store well in your fridge.
What you have to be careful about, however, is to be sure that
you grind the seeds right before you use them. If you don’t
grind them, they will pass right through your system and you
won’t get any of the benefits of the oil. But if you grind them
ahead of time, the oil will oxidize and become rancid. You can
grind them in a regular coffee grinder.

Another benefit of flax seeds is that they have a lot of fiber
and can help soften your stools and relieve constipation. You
do need to drink a lot of water when you are eating flax seeds
because if you don’t have enough liquids along with them it may
have the opposite effect. Flax seeds can be and will give
your food and nutty taste. Try sprinkling them over serial,
putting them in your salads, eating them mixed in with cottage
cheese ( the combination of cottage cheese plus flax seeds
instead of cancer fighting properties) or even over ice cream.

Now if grinding up your own flax seeds every day seems like a
lot of trouble you might try just adding some flax seed oil to
your diet. You should store it in your refrigerator, though, as
it can become rancid pretty quickly. Flax seed oil is high In
the omega-3 fatty acids and you can use it on your salads,
vegetables and even toast.

As with anything, you want to be careful where you buy it from.
Buying organic flax seeds, or flax seed oil is your best bet
and you want to be sure to get it from a trusted source so you
know you’re getting good quality food.

About The Author: Lee Dobbins writes for
naturalhealthbuzz.com where you can learn more about
natural health and healing.

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