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Health Benefits of Flaxseed

Detailed Health Benefits of Flaxseed

Flaxseed, sometimes referred to as linseed, is the seed of the flax plant. It is grown in places like Canada and North America and often thought of as the strongest plant food on earth. Flaxseed has always been used as a fiber source and is now available in oil, powder and capsule form. Many times Flaxseed is recommended for constipation because it does have such a high fiber percentage. It also tends to expand when combined with water to form a substance that can soften a bowel movement and make it easier to pass waste through the body. By knowing this, Flaxseed can be used for the general IBS symptoms as well as the common constipation issues. Flaxseed owes its reputation of being healthy to three of its ingredients: omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Omega-3s are good for maintaining a healthy heart, lignans have antioxidant and estrogen qualities and the fiber helps the digestive tract. Flaxseed provides other nutrition for the body that includes protein, calcium, beta-carotene, B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc and manganese.

Health benefits of flaxseed include:

• Helps to lower cholesterol
• Protects against heart disease
• Controls blood pressure
• Protects against angina
• Counters inflammation that is linked to gout and lupus
• Lessens joint pain and swelling
• Controls hemorrhoids and constipation
• Aids in weight loss
• Reduces the risk of many cancers

The actual seeds are either ground up and put on food or swallowed whole. Many people will soak the seed in water overnight and then drink the mixture found the next morning. Today, flaxseed is found in many different foods, from crackers to oatmeal. In just the first 11 months of 2006, 75 new items were created that listed flaxseed or flax as one ingredient. The consumer demand for flaxseed has increased as well as the use of if it agriculturally. Most flaxseed available today is already grounded. However, it is best to buy whole flaxseed and grind it as you need it. The body is not able to digest whole flaxseed so it must be broken down. When buying flaxseed, it must be kept in the refrigerator after it has been opened to reserve its freshness; if kept out it may lose its anti-oxidants and nutrients. Remember, the health benefits of flaxseed are worth it.