As nutritional awareness and health maintenance become increasingly popular, foods that were once staples of the human diet are being “rediscovered” for their incredible health benefits. One of these incredible foods is the flax seed.
Familiar as it is among patrons of the natural food market, flax has yet to gain familiar ground in mainstream circles. Even those who take flax on a regular basis may be unaware of the extensive health benefits the small seed has to offer. Often the person doesn’t understand exactly why they should drink a spoonful of this marvelous oil everyday. The following is a brief overview of the wide-ranging benefits of the flax seed:
Flax is most noted for containing high amounts of Alpha-Linolenic acid, a precursor to the omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that can only be obtained through diet. Without enough of these “good fats” in the diet, the body has to use saturated fats to construct cell membranes. Saturated fats are much more solid, and cause a great deal of stress on the heart and arteries. Many people, Americans in particular, are deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids. This deficiency has been linked to high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. By incorporating flax into one’s diet and therefore increasing the intake of Omega-3s, a person can do wonders for his or her body.
Research has shown Omega 3 oils to be beneficial for the following ailments:
- Arthritis: Omega 3 oils have been shown to lead to the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
- Diabetes: Omega 3 oils restore insulin sensitivity, helping the body maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Omega 3s play a critical role in maintaining the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves.
- Atherosclerosis: Omega 3s have been shown to break down cholesterol in the blood vessel linings and raise HDL (“good cholesterol”).
- A.D.D.: In many tests, children with attention disorders have been shown to be deficient in Omega 3s. Supplementing with flax has helped improve their concentration.
- Skin problems: Flax oil, taken internally, has been shown to improve skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. It works as an “internal moisturizer,” restoring shine and vibrancy to skin.
Besides containing Alpha Linolenic acid, flax also contains lignans. Lignans are found in the seed meal of flax and have been proven to have strong anti-cancer properties. In fact, flax contains 100 times more lignans than the next best source, wheat bran. A diet including flax supports normal cell development and minimizes the damage to cells due to carcinogens.