Organic brown flax seed has many health benefits ranging from prevention of atherosclerosis, mood disorders like depression, and some cancers to aiding in overall digestive health. You can incorporate flax seed, a seed high in protein, fiber, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, into a variety of meals like oatmeal, into baked products, or sprinkled on a crusted piece of fish. You can also find flax seed as a whole seed, ground or in the form of flax seed oil.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flax seed contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, which have overwhelming health benefits. The oil in flax seed is primarily in the form of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) which is converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA help prevent cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer and depression. Although alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is converted to EPA and DHA, this process is not rapid; therefore, the EPA and DHA you get from fish oils is utilized more quickly by the body. Consuming flax seed helps balance the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratio in your body since omega-6 fatty acids are more prevalent in our food system, and an excess of omega-6s can have negative effects in your body.
Fiber
Flax seed also promotes digestive regularity from its high fiber content. The fiber adds bulk to your stool, keeping it softer as it moves through your gastrointestinal tract. Your body more efficiently utilizes ground flax seed. If you eat it as a whole seed, it passes through your digestive system undigested. Consider grinding the flax seed in small amounts because ground flax seed becomes rancid quickly due to the oil in the seed.
Health Benefits
The omega-3s in flax seed help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory property can reduce the pain of arthritis. Also, fiber increases speed of elimination, benefits your digestive tract and can prevent constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, consuming adequate fiber can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Organic
Growers do not spray organic brown flax seed with synthetic pesticides or herbicides; therefore, you avoid ingesting these toxins that your liver would have to filter. Chemical free soil and crop rotation help ensure the soil is higher quality enabling the plant to more efficiently pull nutrients from the soil. Also, the National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces the standards required to label food as organically grown ensuring that you are consuming truly organically grown flax seeds.
Member Comments