Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

There are numerous health benefits of flax seeds. Besides excellent flax seed nutrition, one big reason why flax seed benefits the health in such a great way is that it is high in three very important types of substances - fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and antioxidants.

Flax seed is high in Fiber

Flax is very rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber and this is mainly responsible for the link between flax seed and cholesterol.

Indeed, the high levels of fiber, in particular of soluble fiber, which carries excess cholesterol out of the body, contributes to the flax seed cholesterol reducing attributes of flax, and is a main reason why using flax seed to lower cholesterol can be so effective.

Two separate studies and research on flax seed shows that flax seed could be one of the most powerful natural cholesterol controllers yet discovered. Not only does flax seed lower cholesterol, it amazingly seems to attack Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol as well. In a recent study, flaxseed brought LDL in 13 men and women with high blood lipids down by an average of 18 percent.

A diet high in fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar which is advantageous to diabetics.

In addition, the fiber in flax seeds promotes proper functioning of the intestines. Thus, flax seeds are useful additions to any colon cleansing herbal formula.

Flax seed is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are good, unsaturated fats which our bodies need for good health, but which are severely lacking in most of our diets today. The extremely high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in them contribute greatly to the health benefits of flax seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids are our security system when it comes to fighting inflammation in our bodies due to attacks from viruses, bacteria and other micro organisms. Chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers are at first preceded by inflammations in the body.

This inflammation remains unchecked due to inadequate intake of Omega-3 in the diet via fish (specifically, cold water fish), walnuts and flax, particularly in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake such as soy and corn oil.

In order to balance any deficiency in these two varieties of oils in the body, flax seed is indeed Nature's true blessing.

Flax seed is high in Lignans, Phytochemicals and Antioxidants

Flax seeds are the best source of lignans. Lignans are a group of phytonutrients or plant chemicals commonly found in seeds and grains, and the lignans found in them are another reason for the amazing health benefits of flax seeds.

The richest source of phytonutrients is from flax seed to the tune of 800 mcg/g. Flaxseed oil has less than 2% of lignans.

Flaxseed lignans found in flax is called secoisolariciresinol glucoside (SDG), which tends to balance female hormones. Lignans also promote fertility, lessen peri-menopausal symptoms, and prevent the onset of breast cancer. Lignans in the diet also help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Flax hull lignans is a natural organic substance containing high levels of lignans called secoisolariciresinol glucoside or SDG which, when converted to mammalian lignans by good bacteria, are powerful antioxidants and potent free radical scavengers.

Apart from phytochemicals being largely present in flax seeds, it is also high in many antioxidants, which again contribute greatly to the health benefits of flax seeds. All these attributes make flax seed a vital inclusion in any sensible dietary plan to promote long term health and longevity.

Flax Seed Weight Loss assistance

Another of the health benefits of flax seed consumption is in aiding with weight loss.

For those who need to watch the intake of starches and sugars, for example diabetics, weightwatchers, etc, flaxseed provides a nutritious way out, since it is very low in carbohydrates in addition to being low on fats and high in fiber content.

This makes it also an ideal choice for people not only trying to lose weight, but also provides great options during the maintenance period, post weight loss.

Dieters oftentimes have reported that flaxseed provides them a feeling of satiation, and stops them from reaching out to more food from time to time.

More on how flax seed benefits health, as well as the health benefits of flax seed oil, are discussed in the other related flax articles.

Flax Pages | Flax Plant - History and Information | Flax Seed Benefits - Flax Seed Nutrition | Health Benefits of Flax Seeds | Benefits of Flax Seed Oil | Flax Seed Oil Benefits - Tips On Obtaining Them | Flax Oil and Cottage Cheese - FOCC, the Incredible Mixture | Flax Oil Side Effects and Precautions

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