Flax Seed - Health in A Spoon

  Some call it the most powerful plant on the planet, some consider it a cure for everything, and we all know as flax or flax seed  Science has proven on many occasions that flax seed has a positive effect against heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. It is often used as an additive in many diets for weight loss programs and common supplement for healthier life. What benefits are there from flax seed and how it can be used?

  Today, flax seed can be found in various foods, from cereals and wholegrain crackers to frozen waffles and pastries. Only in 2010, in the U.S. and Canada market has launched 300 brand new products based on flax seed  People are more informed about the benefits of this plant, and they enrich the daily diet with it.

  Flax seed is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, those good fats that have a good effect on the heart. One tablespoon flax seed contains 1.8 grams of plant Omega 3 acids. It also contains lignans, which are plant estrogens and have strong antioxidant properties. Flax seed contains 800 times more lignans than other similar plants. And finally, what is good for overall health and beauty - dietary fiber. Flax seed contains soluble and insoluble dietary fiber in abundance.

  Flax helps with weight loss and maintaining a certain weight due to the high levels of dietary fiber. They help you feel full longer and stabilize blood sugar levels. Also dietary fiber in flax seed regulates digestion, especially for those who have problems with constipation. It also reduces the inflammation in the body, and prevents chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis. This proved to be the result of a survey conducted in the U.S. in 2008, when 25 women were given flax seed in the diet, after which their blood sugar and insulin levels were significantly reduced.

  Overall, flax seed is a super-food; the word says it all - extremely good for you. However, there are some side effects that can occur after extensive use of flax seed as: gas, diarrhea or abdominal pain. This is very rare, but there are no cases with such symptoms. This can be avoided if flax seed is consumed with plenty of water. Something that is very important when it comes to flax is that pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use it, because of the high percentage of estrogen.

Finally, how to use flax seed?

  The simplest way is to add 1 teaspoon in cereals for breakfast. Also before breakfast, you can take 1 tablespoon flax seed with water, yogurt or kefir. The seeds can be added to salads, in sauces, and all things that are baked like bread, cakes and cookies.

Besides whole seeds, there is ground flax seed  which you can use the same way: add it to cereals, protein shakes etc. It doesn't have some distinct taste, so that you can use it in sweet and salty foods.

  I hope I gave you information you will find useful, so make use of it!