Joining the long list of people that are unaware of Flax seed benefits may not harm your health, but it certainly won't help it in the long run. Alpha Linolenic Acid, also know more commonly as ALA comes from Flax seed, and is a fatty acid, which contains omega 3. Omega 3, as we are all aware of these days claims to offer some protection from coronary heart disease. Among a number of other benefits. I would make sense then, that including Flax seen to your meal plan has the potential to up your health. In addition to heart protection, a healthier colon is another benefit that can be derived by including a little Flax.
Of course, not all Flax seed available to the consumer is created equal. Organic products are quite popular, and it does make sense to buy organic Flax. If the seed is overly processed, then many of the desired benefits will be lost. None-organic seed, that has been overexposed in the production process, will simply lose many of the Omega 3s it would normally contain. Going organic is not necessarily a guarantee of quality Flax seed, but it's a step in the right direction. Buying from a reputable retailer (online or offline) is a good place to start.
Multiple benefits have been attributed to Flax seed, with varying degrees of research to back them up, but here are a few:
Flax seed can help as a laxative, thanks to the increase in dietary fiber it provides. One does have to be careful with the dosage here, as too much fiber in anyone can have the reverse desired effect. Drinking extra water during the day, is generally recommended as part of an increased Flax seed regimen. There have been some studies done, to suggest that Flax seed, and more specifically the omega 3 fatty acids found within may aid with the shrinkage of some cancerous tumors. Specifically, some breast and prostate cancers. Diabetes sufferers can benefit from a little extra Flax in their diet, as it supposedly stabilizes the level of blood sugar in the body.
A word of warning though, as with any new food, it's good to error on the side of moderation when trying it out. Too much of a good thing, can actually be a bad thing. Flax seed does contain hydrogen cyanide, which when over consumed can actually be toxic. If our unsure, it's always best to consult with your own personal doctor before changing your diet.
While Flax seed is not exactly a savory item to be adding to your menu, there are a few simple ways to include it. I actually find it rather bland and tasteless, which would explain why many people simply sprinkle it on foods they already eat. Sprinkling it on your cereal, sandwiches, muffins, or salads is one rather subtle way of introducing it. Cooking with it in other savory dishes or baking it into your favorite baked goods is a simple way to give everyone in the family a little healthier food.
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