Herbalists and natural doctors commonly recommend flaxseed to treat a variety of ailments and disorders. Flax is an old seed. According to "Flax Fantastic: An Amazing Book Dedicated to Helping You Understand Flax and How to Eat Flax to Revolutionize Your Health," the cultivation of flax dates back to 3000 B.C. Flax contains high quantities of fatty acids, and these fatty acids may contribute to the health benefits of this seed. Niger seed is a seed used primarily to feed birds. Niger seed contains several fatty oils and has a high caloric content that small birds use for energy.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains several unsaturated fatty acids, including linolenic, linoleic, oleic acids and phytoestrogenic lingams. Flaxseed also has a high soluble and insoluble fiber content. In your body, this fiber serves the important function of controlling your sugar levels and regulating your body. According to "The Healing Power of Flax," flax seed may also help to slow the growth and metastasis of melanoma, breast and prostate cancer. However, further studies are needed to confirm the cancer fighting benefits of flaxseed.
Uses of Lavender
Flaxseed has several additional purported benefits. It can help reduce high cholesterol levels, treat constipation and help relieve some of the symptoms associated with premenstrual symptom. Additionally, flaxseed can help to treat colds, urinary tract infections and some skin disorders. Again, currently available clinical research has not confirmed the medical benefits of flaxseed. You should speak with a medical professional prior to using flaxseed to treat a specific medical condition. You can eat flaxseed by itself or you can grind this seed and add it to other foods. Additionally, you can purchase flaxseed in oil form and as a health supplement.
Niger Seed
Niger, otherwise known as nyjer seed, is a small seed that grows in Asia and Africa. Niger seed comes from the Guizotia abyssinica plant and the primary use for this seed is as a bird feed. Additionally, some manufacturers use this seed to make edible oils and soaps. The niger seed imported to most countries as bird feed has typically undergone a heat sterilization process to prevent the germination of this seed.
What Birds Eat Niger Seed
The niger seed is one of the preferred seeds of finches, including gold and house finches, pine siskins and redpolls. Niger seed is a relatively expensive seed because of the manufacturing process required to prevent the germination of the seed. According to "The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible," upside down feeders with ports located under the perches are ideal methods of distributing niger seeds to birds in a backyard environment.
References
- "The Healing Power of Flax"; N.D. Joier-Bey et al; 2004
- "Flax Fantastic"; Ken Jones; 2010
- "The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats"; Sally Roth; 2003
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