Benefits of Flax Seed

There are many health benefits to be realized when consuming flax seed as part of a healthy diet. Many people are choosing to include flax seed in their diet because of its role in fighting health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and menopause.

Perhaps the most promising of these health benefits is the role of flaxseed in helping the fight against heart disease.

Flax seed contains high amounts of the essential fatty acid Alpha-Linolenic Acid or ALA. Essential fatty acids are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from food.

ALA belong to a group of fatty acids known as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in fatty fish such as salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart by offering some degree of protection against coronary heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids arealso important because they are building blocks of our cell membranes and they play a crucial role in several functions within the body. Omega-3 fatty acids also helpreduce inflammation. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 to 25 times more
omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids and many researchers believe this imbalance
is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.

Flax seed and flax seed oil have been shown to help raise HDL-cholesterol (the “good”
cholesterol) while lowering LDL-cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack

Flax seed is a particularly rich source lignans. Lignan is a type of antioxidant found in a variety of plants. These powerful antioxidants work throughout our bodies to remove free radicals. Free radicals can damage tissue and are thought to play a role in the pathology of many diseases. Lignans also provide a good source of fiber.