Flaxseeds
(also known as
Linseed) is one of
the most potent sources of omega 3 fatty acids (ALA)
found in nature.
Preliminary studies show that Flaxseed may help fight everything from heart
disease and diabetes to breast cancer. It improves
the quality of hair, nails, and skin, helps to regulate body weight, lowers
cholesterol and blood pressure, and prevents arthritis. It can help regulate bowel movements and prevent
constipation.
Flaxseeds are an outstanding
source of antioxidants and are significantly higher in polyphenol antioxidants
than fruits like blueberries or vegetables like olives. The antioxidant
benefits of flaxseeds have long been associated with prevention of
cardiovascular diseases.
THE GOOD NEWS:
The reason why you want to take in a good dose of Omega 3 fatty acids daily is because it lowers high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. They also decrease the probability of clots in the arteries which may lead to stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or peripheral vascular disease occurring. Flaxseeds themselves can also lower high blood pressure, so overall it’s great for heart health.
The reason why you want to take in a good dose of Omega 3 fatty acids daily is because it lowers high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. They also decrease the probability of clots in the arteries which may lead to stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or peripheral vascular disease occurring. Flaxseeds themselves can also lower high blood pressure, so overall it’s great for heart health.
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| My breakfast: Oats, Chia Seeds, Psyllium Husks, fresh ground Flaxseeds & sprinkle of cinnamon with combination of Organic Soy & Rice milks |
Studies have shown that the plant omega-3 fatty acid ALA, inhibited tumour
incidence and growth as it decreased the inflammation which leads to
cell growth in cancer, also assisting certain immune disorders like psoriasis,
rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Further studies resulted in a decrease in blood sugar levels. More research is needed to measure blood sugar levels and flaxseed in type 2 diabetics but recent research shows its been tied to decreased insulin resistance.
Further studies resulted in a decrease in blood sugar levels. More research is needed to measure blood sugar levels and flaxseed in type 2 diabetics but recent research shows its been tied to decreased insulin resistance.
Flaxseed can also be used to help condition the
skin from the inside, and to reduce inflammatory skin conditions like eczema
and dermatitis.
It may also improve brain function due to the conversion of ALA to DHA in the body, which is found to improve brain cell communication and development.
It may also improve brain function due to the conversion of ALA to DHA in the body, which is found to improve brain cell communication and development.
Most whole seeds pass through the body without much
benefit therefore its best to freshly grind however, once ground, the meal is
less stable and should be refrigerated, or preferably freshly ground and eaten
immediately.
HERE’S
WHY:
Type in the words “Flaxseed rancid” into Google and you will see what I mean. While the whole Flaxseed is chemically stable it also has a hard-ish coating on it therefore when you eat it like this it will most likely pass through whole, hence you won’t get the benefits. BUT ground Flaxseed can go rancid at room temperature in as little as one week and you don’t want a rancid product in your body.
Type in the words “Flaxseed rancid” into Google and you will see what I mean. While the whole Flaxseed is chemically stable it also has a hard-ish coating on it therefore when you eat it like this it will most likely pass through whole, hence you won’t get the benefits. BUT ground Flaxseed can go rancid at room temperature in as little as one week and you don’t want a rancid product in your body.
So that means
pre-ground Flaxseed in the LSA mix is not recommended. Instead, just buy a coffee/spice grinder
(Kmart $12) and grind 1 Tbsp fresh yourself then sprinkle on your breakfast, in
a smoothy etc. Some people ask about freezing it, but since it may or may not keep
it from going rancid quicker, I would rather err on the side of caution and
grind it fresh each time I use it since it’s not a big deal and you know what
your getting.
If you use it ground
in baking (muffins, cake etc) or bliss balls then I would refrigerate them and
eat them within a week. Good news is
that the omega-3 content of the flaxseed remains stable and intact with baking.
The recommendation for
keeping Flaxseed Oil is also minimal (about 4 weeks in your fridge and
if you don’t use it then toss it).
DON’T FORGET:
Since Flaxseed is also high in fibre, it may give you increased bowel movements. So firstly, ease into it by taking 1 Tbsp a day – if you are super worried then start with a ½ Tbsp, and work up to max 2-3 Tbsp.
The other thing to make sure of is that you consume enough water to help that fibre move through you – so it’s a great reason to remind yourself to drink more and reach the recommended 8 glasses of water a day.
Since Flaxseed is also high in fibre, it may give you increased bowel movements. So firstly, ease into it by taking 1 Tbsp a day – if you are super worried then start with a ½ Tbsp, and work up to max 2-3 Tbsp.
The other thing to make sure of is that you consume enough water to help that fibre move through you – so it’s a great reason to remind yourself to drink more and reach the recommended 8 glasses of water a day.
Side effects and precautions:Even though research on the safety of taking flaxseed during pregnancy is scarce, pregnant women should stay on the safe side and avoid consuming flaxseed because of its oestrogen-like properties which doctors believe may affect pregnancy outcome. In addition, people suffering from a bowel obstruction should avoid flaxseed too (because of its high level of fibre).
There's a whole lot more information on Flaxseed history, digestive health and Post-Menopausal Symptoms at The World Healthiest Foods.