Flaxseed

The Most Powerful Food on the Planet?

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Flaxseed is considered by many to be one of the most powerful foods on the planet. According to history, this may have always been the case.

Flaxseed is considered by many to be one of the most powerful foods on the planet. When you look back at its history, this may have always been the case. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed in the health benefits of flaxseed so strongly that he passed laws that required his subjects to consume it. Today, science is finally able to provide some evidence to support Charlemagne’s beliefs.

Flaxseed as Natural Fiber Source

One key benefit of flaxseed is its fiber content. Fiber is an important factor in our diet, yet the average person in America has a fiber intake of less than 10 grams per day. For optimum health, to prevent certain forms of cancer (colon or breast), and aid in the prevention of heart disease, you need between 25-30 grams of fiber a day! Luckily, nature has an answer for that. Flaxseed (stabilized, ground) is one of the highest sources of soluble fiber known.

Flaxseed contains approximately 28% soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, with about 30 – 40% of the total being soluble. Research has shown that fiber lowers cholesterol, modulates glucose, improves gastro-intestinal function and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Sufficient fiber in the diet is vital to good health. This is why you’ll find flaxseed as an ingredient in Jon Barrons Private Reserve Superfood formula.

Flaxseed for Omega-3s

Flaxseed is also one of the richest sources of valuable omega-3 fatty acids, with 57% of its fat being omega-3’s. Just one tablespoon of flaxseed contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more than twice the amount most people get through their diets. Since flaxseed is considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it can also help relieve common risk factors for a wide variety of health problems that are associated with oxidative stress and excessive inflammation.

Flaxseed for Digestive Health

The digestive health benefits of flaxseed are many. Since flaxseed contains fiber, it can act as a laxative, help to delay gastric emptying, and improve intestinal absorption of nutrients. It can also help the passage of food as it moves through our intestines.

Since flaxseed is high in fiber, it can help ease the passage of stools, helping to relieve conditions such as constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticular disease. For those with diverticular disease, flaxseeds may also keep intestinal pouches free of waste and thus keep potential infections at bay. Flaxseed oil may also help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract damage. The oil is also thought to help prevent gallstones and may even dissolve existing stones.

Flaxseed for Heart Health

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed have been proven to lower high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 25% and 65% respectively. They are necessary for proper eyesight, healthy skin, sperm formulation, brain development, and adrenal function. And they also decrease the probability of blood clots blocking an artery.

Omega-3’s also lower high blood pressure and help to decrease allergic responses in the body and help reduce all forms of inflammation in the body. In addition to helping lower blood pressure, flaxseed oil in particular, may also protect against angina (chest pain). A five-year study at Boston’s Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack.

Flaxseed for Cancer Health Benefits

In clinical studies, Omega-3’s have been shown to dissolve tumors, with over 1000 documented cases of successful cancer treatment. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of lignans, a type of beneficial phytoestrogen. In fact, flax provides 75 – 800 times more plant lignans than virtually any other known plant source. These lignans have anti-tumor properties, and studies have shown that they might be extremely beneficial in preventing and possibly reversing breast cancer.

Additional Health Benefits of Flaxseed

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids lower the insulin requirement of diabetics and have been used in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.

Since flaxseed contains all of the essential amino acids, it is a good source of complete protein.

How to Take Flaxseed

The bottom line is that flaxseed is one of the richest sources of valuable omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, lignans, and even protein. Most people get their daily flax in a pre-ground form to add to hot cereals or foods. The problem with using pre-ground flax, however, is that it normally begins to oxidize and go rancid within minutes of being ground and exposed to oxygen and light. As it turns out though, one of the primary triggers for going rancid is the presence of dark flaxseeds.

Fortunately, removing all dark seeds and using only golden flax seeds before grinding helps keep ground flax stable for almost two years, without having to reduce the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in the flax (the solution used by many manufacturers). In addition, ground golden flax comes in a super fine grind specifically for use in beverages that mixes beautifully and helps give a wonderful creamy texture to the drink. It is for these reasons that Jon Barron uses this form of flax in his Private Reserve Superfood formula.

 

Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-flaxseed-oil.html
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/flaxseed
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81