|
Benefits of Flax seed in Heart Disease and Cholesterol Lowering
Written by Gloria Tsang, RD of HealthCastle.com
Published in Nov 2004; Updated in Aug 2011
 (HealthCastle.com) Its high content of alpha linolenic acids (ALA) has made the ancient flax seed become our modern miracle food. Along with chia seeds, flax seeds top the ALA scale chart, providing about 1. 7 grams of ALA per tablespoon. Early studies found that flax seeds may aid lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. They may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack.
Other Benefits of Flax
seeds
Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flax seed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type phytoestrogen (antioxidant) and also provides fiber. Researches revealed that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.
Recent studies also showed positive benefits of flax seed oil in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.
Flax Seed Oil is Not the Same as Flax Seeds
Flax seed oil is not the same as flax seeds. Flax seed oil is a concentrated source of ALA, which has been questioned for its potential association of increasing prostate cancer risk. Include flax seeds in your diet instead.
Not all Omega 3 is The Same!
If you are recommended by your doctor to take an omega-3 supplement, make sure to purchase those derived from marine source. ALA found in flax seeds is a type of plant-based omega 3 fatty acid, slightly different from the marine-based omega 3, like DHA. Most of the studies that have shown heart health benefits of omega 3 refer to the marine-based DHA and EPA. Few studies, however, have looked into the health effects of plant-based ALA.
More Flax Seeds in Your Diet
Moderately include flax seed in your diet. Indeed, a lot of food products now contain flax seeds such as bread, cereal and bakery goods. Bakers may use flax seed flour or include flax seed in baking.
|
Other ways to include flax seeds in home cooking
|
- Sprinkle ground flax seeds on your cereal and salads.
- Substitute flax seed mixture for eggs in home baking such as muffin and pancake (1 tbsp milled flax seed, plus 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Final products will have less volume and taste gummier.
- Include flax seeds, whole or ground, in other recipes when nutty flavor is preferred
|
|
Feed
