Medicine-Naturals :: Flax
Facts – Naturally Healthy Properties of Flaxseed ::
Flax seeds are
larger than sesame seeds with a hard shell that is smooth and shiny. It has colors that range from amber to
reddish brown. Ground seeds feature a
soft crunch and are easily absorbed. Flaxseed oil is nut-flavored oil that has
a high nutritional profile. The flax
plant has provided food as well as fiber for clothing as far back as recorded
history. Flaxseed oil also contains an
omega-3 fatty acid that is being investigated for its ability to reduce risk of
many conditions including hypertension, stroke, some cancers and immune and
inflammatory disorders and certain skin ailments. Flaxseed oil is highly unsaturated and good
for the heart. They also have lignin,
which are a type of fiber. Lignins are
also a type of chemical similar to the human hormone estrogen. Bacteria in the digestive tract convert lignins
into estrogen like substances that are thought to have anti-tumor properties
and may reduce the activity of free radicals.
Recent studies
have shown that men with prostate cancer who eat about three tablespoons of
ground flaxseeds a day were able to slow the progress of their cancer between
the time of diagnosis and time of surgery.
Similar studies show that women with breast cancer who ate a flaxseed
muffin daily had slower tumor growth rates.
We need to wait for further studies before we can say flax can prevent
or cure cancer. There is a fine line
between just enough and too much which can cause cancer cells to multiply
faster. Studies have found that
postmenopausal women who eat about an ounce of ground flaxseed every day will
affect the way estrogen is handled. It
helps offer protection against breast cancer but doesn’t interfere with
estrogen’s role in normal bone maintenance.
Research has shown in preliminary results that flaxseeds can reduce
total cholesterol by an average of six percent for women who are not on hormone
replacement therapy.
For women
trying to get pregnant, the lignin’s found in flaxseed can promote natural
ovulation and extend the progesterone dominant second half of the cycle. Consistent ovulation improves their chances
of conception.
For women who
are experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms such as headaches, sleep difficulties,
breast cysts, fluid retention, anxiety, lowered sex drive and heavy bleeding
can use flaxseed to help restore normal hormonal balance.
Flax is said
to be heart healthy. Flax is an
essential fatty acid important for cell membranes, regulation of blood pressure
and other functions. This omega-3 acid
may reduce blood clotting reducing the chance of a fatal heart attack and
lowering total blood cholesterol. It
also is known to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Flax is also found in soybean oil, walnuts
and canola oil.
Flaxseed is
rich in fiber and heart-healthy it is also reduce the exposure of colon cells
to cancer-causing chemicals. It can
relieve the constipation or diarrhea of irritable bowel syndrome and helps to
stabilize blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Magnesium also is found in flaxseeds and help
to reduce the severity of asthma by keeping airways open and relaxed. It prevents the blood vessel spasms that lead
to migraine attacks and generally promotes relaxation and helps to restore
normal sleep patterns.
Flaxseeds are
pleasant tasting and can taste good sprinkled on salads, cooked vegetables or
cereals. Although the oil is very tasty
too, it’s also very expensive. Here are
some hints on how to use flaxseeds.
1.
Whole seeds merely pass through the system so grind the
seeds or chew them very slowly. It’s
best to grind the seeds just before using them to preserved flavor and
nutrition. Although there are two
different colors of seeds, brown and yellow, there is no nutritional difference
between them.
2.
Combine flaxseed flour with wheat flour for all types
of breads and even pancakes. Bread
bakers are using flaxseed to promote their bread as lower carbohydrates.
3.
Ready-made breads, muffins, breakfast bars and cereals
can be found in many grocery stores.
4.
The oil is prone to spoil quickly; it comes in dark
colored bottles to extend its shelf life.
It does need to be refrigerated and pay close attention to the
expiration date. The more expensive
“cold-pressed” oil is no better than any other kind.
5.
Flaxseed oil can’t be used for frying.
6.
Pregnant or breast feeding women should avoid eating a
lot of flax.
7.
Some might have an allergic reaction to flaxseeds.
8.
Don’t use the supplements; eat the foods that contain
flaxseed instead.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment