Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Health Benefits of Flaxseeds
Flaxseed and Flax Oil Benefits
Have you heard about flaxseed and flax oil benefits? For the benefit of those who are interested to know more about flaxseed and flaxseed oil, I want to share some things I knew that is good for your family health.
Flaxseed and Flax Oil and its health beneficial components are highly significant when it comes to having healthy heart, arteries, and strong bones. We have talked about fatty acids and the significance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in lowering of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and in raising the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. We have also tackled about omega-3 that is good for our bones. Well, let us add some benefit we can get from omega-3 to our list: it can RAISE high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol that is responsible in cleaning up LDL-clogged artery; an anti-cancer; it helps reduce psoriasis, eczema, acne, dandruff and some allergies; has anti-stress effect (it increases stamina); and improves calcium absorption. The good news is- flaxseed oil belongs to polyunsaturated fatty acids and it is a good source of omega-3, so good for your family health as source of fat.
Yes, you hear it right, omega-3 from plant source. Usually, when we hear about omega-3, we automatically link it to fish oil, right? Well, flaxseed oil contains twice the amount of omega-3 compared to fish oil. Fish oil has omega-3 that is called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA omega-3 while flaxseed and walnut has the precursor form and is called alpha-linolenic acid or ALA Omega-3. As you consume ALA omega-3, your body converts it to EPA omega-3. Flaxseed has alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) while evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). I highly emphasized it because though both ALA and GLA are linolenic acid that belong to essential fatty acids (EFA), they have different health benefits.
Aside from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 from plant source, flaxseed is rich in essential fatty acid called omega-6 fatty acids. We can also find insoluble and soluble fibers, manganese, magnesium, folate, copper, phosphorus, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), potassium, lecithin, zinc, protein and lignan precursors in flaxseed. Remember the phytoestrogen from soya? Flaxseed also contains phytoestrogen.Lignan precursors in flaxseed are converted to lignans by the body when it is consumed. Lignans acts as phytoestrogen and antioxidant in the body. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties.
Flaxseed benefits are so promising, right? But, not everyone has good access where to buy flaxseeds. Thanks to the byproducts (flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil supplements) that is accessible in the market. Flaxseed is more beneficial compared to flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil supplements because it contains dietary fibers (soluble and insoluble) and antioxidants. However application of minute amount of flaxseed oil to your face and neck for at least 30 minutes before taking a bath helps prevent your skin from fine lines and wrinkle formation.
Flaxseed is easily destroyed by heat, so, the right time to add your flaxseed or flaxseed oil is when your favorite food is already cooked. You may add it also in your favorite salads or even in yogurt. Practically speaking, you may add flaxseed in any food you want to eat as long as it is not hot. Though flaxseeds has lots of benefits, due to its high calorie content you need to take it moderately. Our body need 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil only for every 100 pounds of body weight every day. And in case you are taking in flaxseed, you only need 10-40 grams a day.
Just a simple reminders:
-You have to ask some opinion from your doctor first, if it is advisable for you to take flaxseed. or not.
-Buy flaxseed oils that are prepared at low temperature and placed in light-resistant plastic container.
-Make sure to refrigerate your flaxseed oil and, or flaxseed oil capsules to extend its shelf life.
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May 4th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Yes, there are many health benefits of flaxseed oil. However, studies have found that women’s bodies are more efficient at converting the ALA into EPA, compared to men. Researchers believe this is due to the increased need for EPA and DHA for the fetus.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
recently i started taking flax seeds as i have high cholesterol. I hope I get some of the benefits that you have listed here
May 7th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Very interesting article and excellent information. Yes flax seeds are very good for you. I ground them up or purchase them already ground and sprinkle them in almost everything. They are great in yogurt, smoothies, fresh squeezed juice, and in fresh baked bread. Everyone should include flax seeds in their diet.