Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, can be easily incorporated into your diet and have numerous health benefits. Milled flaxseed or liquid flaxseed oil (whole flaxseeds do not have the same benefits with the exception of lignans) can easily be added to smoothies, stews, salads, soups and sauces. Flaxseeds have been used for thousands of years by ancient cultures to add fiber and protein to diets that would have otherwise been barren. Flax has been touted as a "superfood," which means that it contains a rare blend of nutrients that are found in few others foods.
Cholesterol
Flax contains essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, that help the body with many functions including controlling cholesterol levels and balancing good and bad fats.
Cancer
Flax contains lignans which prevent the growth of many types of cancer including colon, prostate and breast cancers. Lignans are in flaxseeds 800 times more than any other food or supplement and are more concentrated in the whole, unmilled flaxseed.
Constipation
Flax is a great source of fiber which alleviates constipation. Flaxseeds also helps relive intestinal inflammation that can lead to Crohn's disease. Proper elimination also helps ward against cancer of the digestive tract.
Menopausal Symptoms
A poor diet can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, and a flaxseed supplement helps to balance estrogen levels and fill out an imbalanced, modern diet.
Cardiovascular Health, Weight Loss and Diabetes
Flaxseeds are an excellent source of all omega-3 essential fatty acids (including alpha-linoleic acids) that are critical for reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as cancer. Omega-3s help balance blood sugar, boost metabolism and control appetite. Flax is known to help keep fats moving, as it emulsifies them in the body instead of storing them and keeps arteries from hardening.
Immune System and Inflammation
Flaxseeds are known to boost the immune system and relieve inflammation resulting from auto-immune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Depression, Memory and Attention Deficit Disorder
The high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in flaxseeds help keep the brain, and its neural pathways functioning properly so the brain does not have to overcompensate for inefficient links between cells.
Tips
Consuming flaxseeds should not encourage you to eat poorly or not exercise. While all of the health benefits of flaxseeds that are listed above have been evaluated for efficacy, flaxseeds are not a miracle product that will erase of multitude of sins from unhealthful living.
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