?The Benefits of Taking Flaxseed Oil Supplements…
Sunday, August 28th, 2011 |
?The Benefits of Taking Flaxseed Oil Supplements
As more and more people are looking into vitamins and other supplements, more and more vitamins and supplements are appearing on the shelves. However, it can sometimes get confusing as to what will really work and what does not – especially when you look at an entire alphabet worth of pill bottles. One of the newly popular supplements is flaxseed oil. Here is a look at some of the benefits that flaxseed supplements can have for you.
Flax seed oil comes from, you guessed it, flax seeds. Flax seeds are about 1/3 oil, the rest of the seed being made up of fiber, protein, and plant matter. The oil is the perfect source, in the perfect proportions, of alpha linolenic acid, of omega 3 essential fatty acid, and of omega 6 essential fatty acid.
Omega 3 essential fatty acid is especially important. The brain is made up of a large amount of fatty acids, the majority of which are made up from essential fatty acids. Getting the proper amount of fatty acids in your diet can help improve brain function and memory. Omega 3 has also been shown to help reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure, aid in relief of arthritis, kill some types of cancer cells, help prevent acne and eczema, and even improve your ability to handle stress. It can also soothe stomach ulcers and irritable bowel disorders and absorb toxins, so it is great for people who have sensitive stomachs.
Most people feel that you can get the best benefits from taking flax seeds whole. The seeds themselves have a myriad of health benefits.
Flax seeds are made up of about 12 percent of a plant substance called mucilage. This works great as a natural laxative that is gentle on your system.
Flax seeds contain lignans, a super anti-oxidant. Lignans have been shown to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and even anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds have more lignans than any other food.
Flax seeds are a good source of fiber. Fiber can help cleanse the colon of toxic material as well as provide food for the friendly bacteria that help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Flax seeds are also a good source of protein – about one gram of protein for every four grams of seeds. It is easily digested and has amino acids that your body needs to function.
Flax seeds are also relatively easy to incorporate into your daily foods. When buying flax seeds, it is often advisable to buy the whole seeds and grind them yourself at home. Whole seeds will stay fresh for up to a year however ground meal is good only for a short period. Seeds can be ground easily in a coffee grinder. Once at home, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. They can also be easily stored in your fridge or freezer.
If you are new to taking flax seed, it is important to start slowly so that your body has time to adjust to the change in diet. Make sure that you drink plenty of water to balance out the soluble fiber in flax otherwise you may have to deal with constipation. If you choose to grind your flax at home, keep in mind that the amount of seeds that you start with does not equal the amount of meal needed for recipes. Generally, two thirds to three quarters of a cup of flax seeds will grind into one cup of meal.
Flax seeds have a variety of uses in recipes. You can find recipes online or in health food cookbooks. You can sprinkle flax seeds over yogurt or add it to shakes. It can be cooked into other foods such as casseroles or hot cereal. It can even be added to baked good such as breads, muffins, and brownies.
As with any dietary supplement, remember to check with your doctor before adding it to your daily routine. There are some concerns when using flax seeds – mostly from rancidity from poorly stored meal, hormonal effects from phytoestrogens in the lignans, and the fact that flax seeds contain a very small amount of cyanide. Your doctor can help you make the decision of whether or not flax is right for you.
Overall, flax seeds are a wonderful way to add necessary vitamins and nutrients to your diet.
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