Check out these benefits!!
Heart Disease:
The #1 killer in America! Helps reduce total cholesterol, LDL levels (bad cholesterol), triglycerides. Reduces clotting time, thereby reducing chance for heart attacks and strokes. Keeps arteries clear and pliable.
Cancer:
Flax seed is high in lignans which have anti-tumor properties. Lignans also act as antioxidants that could mirror the results of Tamoxifen, the anti-cancer drug for breast cancer.
Constipation:
Flax seed's all natural fiber helps absorb water, which softens stools and allow it to pass through the colon quickly. Drink a lot of water when adding fiber to your diet because with out enough liquids fiber can actually cause constipation!
Menopause:
Flax is a phytoestrogen (an estrogen like substance found in plants). These phytoestrogens act as a natural hormone therapy to help stabilize hormonal levels.
Inflammation:
High in Omega-3 essential fatty acids, flax aid in inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
Immune System:
Flax contains lignans and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which affect immune cells and compounds that control immune reaction.
Depression:
A diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of depression and Alzheimer's.
How can you use flax?
- Use it in baking - replace 1/4 to 1/2 c. of the flour with ground flax if the recipe calls for more than 2c.
- Use it in cooking - meatloaf, beef stew, meatballs, chili, chicken parmesan or enchilada's. Use 2-4TB.
- Use it everyday - in your oatmeal, smoothies, soup or yogurt.
- Whole flax keeps longer - store in freezer for up to a year.
I like to keep a canning jar full of ground flax in my fridge for quick use on salads, cereal, hamburgers and...well, I pretty much put a tablespoon or so in everything I cook!! Shhhhh, it's a secret!!
