1. We Cannot Thrive Without Certain Foods
Essential fatty acids 3 and 6 (EFA's) are molecules the human body cannot make and must take in from food. The two EFA's, omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6), are crucial for all cell and tissue functions. The good news is that n-3 fats affects cells and organs and can reverse chronic degenerative diseases. The flax seed is a source of essential n-3, but is short in linoleic acid-rich n-6. When cooking and eating, it's best to limit omega-6's singularly when possible. Linoleic acid (LA) is found in the primary oil added to most processed foods. Excessive omega-6, which comes from soybeans, peanut, corn, sunflower seed, cottonseed, soy, sesame and safflower oils is not good for your health and can cause a variety of health problems such as water retention, raised blood pressure and blood clotting. A ratio of 3:1 of omega-6 to omega-3 is what you need. The typical Western diet is around 12:1. Supplements are manufactured in such a way that 1 or 2 capsules a day are sufficient for an average, healthy person.
2. Anti-Cancer Properties of Lignin
Emerging research indicates that Lignin in flax seed, a powerful antioxidant, can possibly have anti-breast and colon cancer properties, as it flushes excess estrogen out of your body, reducing the incidence of estrogen-linked cancers such as breast cancer. Lignin in flax is a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative DNA lesions in cancer. Lignin has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
3. Flax is Good Preventive Medicine
Endorsed by the American Heart Association, omega-3 is of utmost importance and is almost entirely missing from today's Western diet of processed foods that use mostly omega-6 oils. Flax seed helps prevent heart disease by lowering LDL, reducing blood pressure and reducing strokes from clots. Use of golden flax oil can lower pesky triglycerides, improved mental clarity, help manage diabetes, depression, arthritis, allergies, circulation problems, ADHD, Alzheimer's, skin disorders and gout. Flax can also stabilize blood sugar, boosts immunity and protect you against respiratory infections. It may prevent kidney damage in Lupus, as well (SLE).
Health is referred to as the absence of disease. Ill health is often a nutritional deficiency. Lignin-rich flax seed contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E and carotene. These fibrous seeds prevent toxic buildup in the bowel, and contain iron, zinc and trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium.
4. Mind Your Heart
The heart is a muscle that needs omega-3's, too. EFA's in gluten-free flax regulate nerve transmission and communication, supplying the heart with vital energy for pumping blood. Flax is a potent source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), important for body builders in enhancing insulin sensitivity within muscle cells. The accumulation of EFA's in your diet may prevent bone loss. Flax contains DHA for brain, eye and heart health throughout all stages of an active life.
5. Cooking With Flax
Flax is a hearty addition to your proactive arsenal. Our body cannot break them down to extract the essential oils, so grind them up in a coffee grinder to release their healing clout, and then store ground up seeds in your freezer.
Sprinkle ground flax on every thing you eat, or eat it by the spoonful. It works well on hot or cold cereal, pancakes, soup, salads, smoothies, marinara, stir-fries or to pasta dishes. By the way, ground flax seed will act as a thickener in soups, sauces and stews.
Member Comments