Healthy Living
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
After falling head over heels for Nature's Path Granola with Pumpkin and Flax seeds, my interest around Flax was peaked. I did some research around the benefits of Flax and why we should be incorporating this little teeny weeny seed into our diets.
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Omega-3 essential fatty acids: Flax Seed is full of Omega-3s ...which are known to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, lower risk of breast, prostate and colon cancers and even reduce inflammation due to arthritis, Parkinson's Disease and asthma.
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Full of Fiber: The fiber in Flax is especially beneficial because it contains both soluble and insoluble fiber .
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Loaded with Lignans: Lignans are beneficial because they act as phytoestrogens and antioxidants.
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Lubrication: Because of the omega-3, essential fatty acids , flaxseed is a great lubricant and can be especially helpful in relieving dry eyes. Dry eyes are usually a result of an insufficient outer oil layer in the tear film. Flax oil (also known as linseed oil) helps the oil glands produce the proper consistency of oil to coat the surface.
Flaxseed can be bought at most supermarkets and/or health food stores. It comes in three varieties: whole seeds, ground seed or oil. Most experts would recommend that you use the ground seeds, as they provide all of the benefits listed above. Whole seeds, on the other hand, will pass through your system undigested and the oil, lacks the fiber which is so good for you.
Note: If you suffer from diverticulitis, the oil is probably the best option.
Related Topics:
Related: wellness, omega-3, lignan, flaxseed oil, flaxseed, flax seed, flax, fiber, essential fatty acids, diet nutrition, anti-inflammatory
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Posted by Rowdygirl Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:40am PDT
I add flaxseed to my oatmeal. It adds a nutty taste, but you can't really tell it's there otherwise. Once I got past the looks of it (it reminds me of teeny, tiny bugs for some reason) I was fine.
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Posted by Meredith Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:12pm PDT
Trader Joes Flaxseed Tortilla Chips are awesome !
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Posted by smariemc2002 Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:11pm PDT
Hi: I'm glad to have read your post concerning Flaxseeds. I always wanted to know how to use them and what the benefit was health wise. I have also learned about Black Tea, thanks again for the information.
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Posted by cook3932@sbcglobal.net Wed Jul 23, 2008 5:41am PDT
I eat krackers that are made with flaxseed.They are very healthy and taste great.I wish I had known the benefits of whole grains,seeds,veges etc. when I was much younger.
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Posted by mimi Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:58am PDT
i have flaxseed oil.. they say its good for the hair as well. and my eyes can get dry at times, now i know what to use
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Posted by Samx Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:49am PDT
which is better flaxseed oil or the seed itself?
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Posted by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:25am PDT
The Milled or Ground version is the best, as you will get all of the benefits mentioned above. However, if you only have the oil or seed as options, it depends on what you are most interested in. The Seed offers fiber, while the oil doesn't. However, the oil in the seeds isn't always accessed through digestion and may not provide you with the Oil benefits listed above. The oil is held in the seed itself. Hope that helps.
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