Flaxseed Health Benefits

Flaxseed may be considered the new super food by many nutritionists, but it comes from one of the oldest fiber crops in the world, dating back to ancient Egypt and China.

Recent studies show that flaxseed, also known as linseed, may help fight heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer. But King Charlemagne, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, was aware of this in the 8th century. He was so impressed with the health benefits of flaxseed that he passed laws requiring his loyal subjects to eat the tiny seeds every day.

Although flaxseed is a wellspring of healthy components, it owes its reputation as a wonder food to these three:

Omega-3 essential fatty acids

These are the good kind of fats that keep your heart healthy and strong. One tablespoon of flaxseed contains nearly two grams of beneficial Omega-3.

Lignans

Proven to aid weight loss and promote health in women, lignans form the building blocks of plants. Flaxseed contains up to 800 times more lignans than other plants.

Fiber

It’s essential to bowel health and to help lower cholesterol levels, and flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types of fiber.

Flaxseed is also rich in iron, zinc, calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium and boron, but you must either grind the flaxseed to reap the maximum benefits, or buy ground flaxseed. Flaxseed Oil Capsules are often the best choice.

Protects Against Cancer

Preliminary results show that flaxseed may protect against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer with a two-pronged approach: the plant Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to inhibit tumor growth in animal studies; as well, lignans are known to reduce the risk of breast cancer and are used in its treatment.

Keeps the Heart Pumping

According to several studies, diets that incorporate flaxseed Omega-3s help stave off hardening of the arteries by keeping white blood cells out of the blood vessels’ linings. This discourages plaque from forming, and keeps your cardiovascular system healthy.

Treatment for Diabetes

The lignans in flaxseed may improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes, as measured by hemoglobin blood tests.

Parkinson’s Disease and Asthma

By helping block certain inflammatory agents, flaxseed may stop the inflammation associated with Parkinson’s Disease and asthma.

While Flaxseed is definitely a wonder food, experts advise that it is not a magic bullet or a cure-all, but a powerful nutrient to be included in a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.