Benefits of Flaxseed

What is flaxseed? What are the health benefits of flaxseed or linseed?

Flaxseed also known as linseed was first cultivated in Babylon around 3000 B.C. Since that time this tiny seed has been used in making breads and a number of other foods. But, it wasn't until fairly recently that scientists began to see the potential health benefits of flaxseed.

Flaxseed contains similar vitamins and minerals to grains, although it is not a grain. It is particularly high in most of the B vitamins and magnesium which our bodies need. The real health potential of this seed is found in three other ingredients.

Those ingredients are Omega-3 fatty acids, which are a version of the good fats our bodies need and lignans, which contains plant estrogen and antioxidants. This little seed contains between 75-800 times more lignans than any other plant food and fiber, which is necessary to maintaining a healthy diet.

This seed is low in carbohydrates, which combined with its high fiber content makes it a great food source for any weight maintenance program. Some studies have shown that taking ground flaxseed ½ hour prior to eating can help you eat less, thus aiding in weight reduction.

It is also believed that a major benefit of flaxseed is that it can provide an improved immune system. The omega-3 fatty acids when used in conjunctions with the Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fish help balance the Omega- 6 fatty acids you ingest. This means it may fight inflammation in your body, which will reduce the symptoms of arthritis, help prevent heart disease, asthma and some cancers.

The high fiber in flaxseed helps lower cholesterol and stabilizes the blood sugar which can help to prevent diabetes. One of the great benefits of flaxseed oil is that it may promote the proper functioning of the intestines and help in the treatment of intestinal bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease.

Women can especially use some of the benefits of flaxseed as it may help promote fertility, fight osteoporosis, reduce ovarian dysfunction and lessen the number and severity of hot flashes during menopause. It may also help prevent certain cancers particularly breast cancers.

Flaxseed is best purchased in seed form and ground at home as storing the seeds will keep longer than either flaxseed or flaxseed oil. While studies continue on the benefits of flaxseed and to date there is little negative findings on using one tablespoon of flaxseed a day, flaxseed oil may have a couple of negative effects that would be worth looking into.

The most serious is that there is some concern that the flaxseed oil which is stronger and more concentrated than the seed may actually increase the risk of colon cancer. There is also evidence that indicates that the Omega-3 fatty acids contained in flaxseed oil taken in absence of the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish may actually increase painful inflammation.

Taken in the correct amount, flaxseed can help strengthen your immune system and help reduce the risk of many diseases. But it is wise to check with your physician to be sure what the right amount is for you.

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