So if you have been hearing a lot about Flaxseed lately, there is probably a good reason.  Flaxseed and organic flaxseed is being used in all sorts of health food and is being sold in supermarkets all over the place.  Since consumers have learned of the possible health benefits from flaxseed, there has been a high demand for it ever since 2006.  But why are people demanding it so much?  What is the big deal about flaxseed?

Flaxseed has many health ingredients, but it is most known for being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, that’s good fat!  Omega-3 fatty acids have actually been known to improve the health of your heart.  Flaxseed also has fiber, which most of us need more of in our diets.  Another key ingredient that flaxseed contains is called Lignans.  Lignans have antioxidants and plan estrogen.

So what kind of health benefits can Flaxseed bring you?

First, you need to keep in mind that flaxseed is still being researched, and that all the benefits are from recent studies over the last few years, studies have not been well established yet.

Here are some of the health benefits that recent studies have showed:

• Helps to fight cancer – Studies have suggested that flaxseed can help fight cancer, mostly breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.  The Omega-3 fatty acids and the lignans help to interfere with tumor cell growth.
• Diabetes – Flaxseed has been suggested to improve blood sugar levels, which can help people with type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Disease – Since flaxseed has Omega-3’s in it, it helps prevent the hardening of arteries, and helps to prevent plaque from moving into the arteries.  It is also said that flaxseed can help with the rhythm of your heartbeat and lower cholesterol.
• Can reduce inflammation
• Can help reduce hot flashes and the intensity of hot flashes

Even though there are all these studies to suggest that flaxseed can help with these areas, they have not been completely proven yet.  Take note that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should stay away from flaxseed until further research has been accomplished.

There are different ways to consume flaxseeds; grounded flaxseed and flax oil.  It is said that you get more health benefits from the actual seed itself, grounded.

How to consume flaxseed:

I like to add a tablespoon of organic flaxseed to my healthy cereal, oatmeal, or a smoothie.  There really is not a strong taste to flaxseed, so it does not spoil anything that I put it in.  Your goal should be to add it to foods that you easily consume everyday.

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Tags: breast cancer, diabetes, fatty acids, flax oil, flax seed, Flaxseed, Health, heart disease, Nutrition, omega-3, prostate cancer