Flax, also known as Common Flax or Linseed, is an annual plant that grows to 120 cm tall, with slender stems. Native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India, its leaves are green, its flowers blue, its fruit round and containing glossy brown seeds.
Consumption of flaxseed is good for several reasons, thanks to lignans that power it with nutrition. It contains beneficial levels of omega-3 fatty acids, promotes heart health because it contains alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and a variety of other health conditions, lessons the severity of diabetes, and has anti-cancer properties. A series of research studies at the University of Toronto have shown that flaxseed can reduce tumor growth in mice, particularly the tumors found in human post-menopausal breast cancer and may prevent certain other cancers. Flaxseed is considered a Health Food.
2 tablespoons a day mixed in a smoothie or oatmeal or sprinkled on top of salad or yogurt. Good source of fiber and an estrogen binder. Studies show that when the body is estrogen dominant the lignans in flax seeds bind to your body’s estrogen receptors, reducing estrogen activity at the cellular level.
Flax seed also serves as replacement for egg in baking — just mix one tablespoon of ground flax seeds with three tablespoons of water. It can be mixed with oatmeal, yogurt, anything where a nutty flavor is appropriate.
Flaxseed oil is a rich, vegetarian source of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are critical in the production of prostaglandins. In the body prostaglandins help regulate fat metabolism, inflammatory response, hormones, as well as the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems.
ALA, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), belongs to a group of substances called omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are found primarily in fish while ALA is mostly found in flaxseed oil and other vegetable oils. Although similar in structure, the benefits of ALA, EPA, and DHA are not necessarily the same.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function as well as normal growth and development.
Suggested use: Buy organic whole flax seeds and grind them up in a coffee grinder. Start with 1 tablespoon a day and graduate to 2 tablespoons a day for maximum EFA’s. Add to smoothies, salad, apple sauce, yogurt, cereals, oatmeal, pudding.
