Health Benefits of Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil Side Effects Information and How to Grind Flaxseed for Breads and Muffins
Flax Seed Benefits
Everything about the health benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil from its high levels of
omega 3,
lignans, and fiber to proper dosage, side effects, and allergy information. Plus how to use flaxseed grinders for healthier breads and muffins.
Plant and Flower Picture
Flaxseed Nutrition
Flax is rich in lignans, omega 3 fatty-acids, as well as thiamin. It is also a great source of manganese, and has respectable amounts of
magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. As a source of dietary fiber it is excellent. The nutrition facts below are for 1 cup of raw, whole flax seed.
By no means is it low in calories or fat. But because the health benefits of flaxseed are so many and it's serving size so small, it makes a good
addition to any diet. To see how it compares, nutritionally, to other whole grains and seeds visit our nutrition charts.
From capsules, supplements, tablets, and pills to bulk or small quantities of organic golden or brown flaxseeds, it's all on this page.
Flaxseed Health Benefits
Lowers Cholesterol (Heart Healthy)
Both its soluble and insoluble forms of fiber have the effect of lowering cholesterol. Its omega-3-fatty-acids also have an
anti-inflammatory effect that reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Fights Cancer
Flax contains high levels of lignans (phytoestrogens) which have shown promise in the fight against cancer, particularly
breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
Promotes Regularity
It is rich in fiber, both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps to absorb water and lubricate the bowels to speed the transit of food through
the system.
Reduces Inflammation
It is rich in omega-3-fatty-acids which help to reduce inflammation associated joint pain and arthritis. In fact, the January 1996 issue of
the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition mentions a study that showed people who took flax daily were able to reduce their inflammation response
by almost 30%.
Strengthens Immune System
Flax seed is a good source of lignans and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which studies have shown to promote a strong immune system.
Promotes Brain Health
DHA (docosahexaenoic) is an ingredient in flax that helps with brain health and function. It has a positive effect on mood, fighting
tiredness, and depression.
Contains Phytoestrogens
Flax is the richest known plant source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens play a key role in stabilizing hormone levels which helps
to reduce irritability and moodiness.
*For more detailed health benefit information, visit our source, www.flaxhealth.com.
What is It?
Flax seed has been a useful crop to mankind for thousands of years. It was first cultivated by the Babylonians in 3000 B.C., and later by the Egyptians
and Greeks. Flax seed benefits were well appreciated in the Old World. Many ancient records mention the benefits of flax. In fact, the Greek philosopher, Hippocrates, wrote about the calming effect eating flax had
on those suffering from abdominal pain. In more recent history, Mahatma Gandhi noted that: "Whenever flaxseed becomes a regular food item, there will be better health."
How to Use Flaxseed
It is easy to integrate into your diet. It's taste is mild and hardly noticeable when mixed with other foods. The
health benefits of flaxseed oil make it an excellent substitute for other types of vegetable oils. The seeds can
be eaten raw atop salads, cereals, and yogurt. Add them to breads, soups, and fruit smoothies to increase levels of fiber and
antioxidants. They can also be popped like popcorn. Flax can be thrown into whatever you are eating. Listed below are the many ways this versatile, little
seed can be eaten:
Ground
Grinding flax seed helps insure complete digestion and full
health benefits of flaxseed. To grind simply put the seeds in a blender, coffee grinder, or magic bullet for a few seconds. Now you
are ready to turn any recipe into a flax recipe.
Experiment with some of our delicious whole grain breads and
healthy muffin recipes.
Tip: Reduce the amount of regular oil called for in each recipe to compensate for the high oil content of flax.
Boiled
Boiling the seeds with soups and hot cereals works well but don't use very much. The boiled seeds can produce a kind of slime that can
taste pretty weird in large amounts.
Popped
It can be popped by roasting the seeds in a pan for a few minutes. This makes them more digestible and adds a smokey flavor that tastes great when
sprinkled on green salads.
Raw
Raw flax seeds add a nice, nutty, crunch to foods. However, unless they are thoroughly chewed and broken apart, they will pass through you
undigested. This is fine if you like their taste, but less effective if you want their health benefits.
This video demonstrates how to make a tasty Irish whole grain bread with ground flaxseed.
Ingredients (2 Loaves)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup ground flax seed (to grind flaxseed use a coffee grinder, Magic Bullet, etc.)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 1/2 cups buttermilk (no buttermilk? just add 2 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the milk and let stand 5-10 minutes)
Your Tips on the Health Benefits of Flaxseed and Recipes!
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Disclaimer: The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
