Flax Seed - Nature's Miracle
Flax seed is an amazing grain which has unbelievable healthful and healing effects. It is full of nutrients and a complete source of protein and fiber. All it takes is one to two tablespoons of ground flax seed and one tablespoon of flax seed oil per day and your health could greatly improve. These seeds are slightly larger than sesame seeds and their color ranges from the golden to the brown variety. The scientific community is learning more and more about the positive effects of flax seed. Today there are two main varieties grown, one for flax seed oil and the other for the fibers found in the stem, which are used for cloth making.
Flax seed is most noted for its high levels of ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid). ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential to good health. Flax seed is known to be the highest ALA food in the world. It has been estimated that approximately 95% of the North American population is not getting enough of this fatty acid to be really healthy due to technological changes. Flax seed oil has a more concentrated source of ALA than the seeds, so using both would be the best way to go. Many studies have focused on the health benefits of flax seed and the results seem very promising. Research has shown that ground flax seed may aid in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as controlling immune and inflammatory disorders. Omega-3 fats found in flax seed may also help reduce the inflammation that is a factor in conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Flax seed also contains lignans, which are known antioxidants and are thought to play a role in fighting a broad range of cancers such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. The benefits of flax seed and women’s health have also been researched. The lignans found in flax seed have shown to promote normal ovulation and lengthen the second half of the menstrual cycle, in which progesterone is the dominant hormone. This could be great news for women between the ages of 35 and 55 who are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain, lowered sex drive, and sleep difficulties due to fluctuating estrogen levels and a decline in progesterone levels. Flax seed may also lessen menstrual cramps and bloating.
Bottom line, flax seed can improve your overall health and help restore hormonal balance in the body.