Nutrition Basics 101Healthy Eating GuidelinesSuper FoodsHealth and NutritionWomen's NutritionWeightloss DietNutrition Newsletter

Benefits of Flaxseed in Heart Disease

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
Published in Nov 2004; Updated in Aug 2006 .

Benefits of Flaxseed - Cholesterol lowering

Benefits of flaxseedFlaxseed's high content of alpha linolenic acids has made the ancient it become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Studies showed that flaxseed can lower total and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Flaxseed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. In addition, it may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack.

Other Benefits of Flaxseed

Flaxseed

Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flaxseed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type of phytoestrogen and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flaxseed 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.

Moderately include flax seed in your diet. Indeed, a lot of food products contain flaxseed such as bread, cereal and bakery goods. Bakers may use flax seed flour or include flaxseed in baking.

5 Tips to include flaxseed in home cooking:

Benefits of FlaxseedSprinkle ground flaxseed on your cereal and salads
Benefits of FlaxseedSubstitute flaxseed mixture for eggs in home baking such as muffin and pancake (1 tbsp milled flaxseed, plus 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Final products will have less volume and taste gummier
Benefits of FlaxseedInclude in other recipe when nutty flavor is preferred
Benefits of FlaxseedSubstitute flaxseed oil for other oils
Benefits of FlaxseedTry this Flaxseed cracker recipe provided by the Flax Council of Canada

flax seedFurther Reading:

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape




| Print Page | | nutrition tipsRSS | Widgets

Want to discuss nutrition topics? Use our Discussion Forum



Advertisement

FAQ Editor's Picks

True beauty comes from within, so the key to a healthy glow may possibly come from your fridge and pantry. Nutritionist tells us the secrets to look absolutely gorgeous from the inside out.
nutrition podcast nutrition podcast
HONcode accreditation seal.
Categories:
Nutrition 101 | Healthy Eating | Super Foods | Podcast | Women's Nutrition | Food & Nutrition | Nutrition & Health | Weight & Diet
Member Area:
Login | SignUp | Free Nutrition Newsletter | Forum | Search | healthcastle nutritionRSS
Media:
Press Room | Gloria Tsang, RD | In the News | News Release | White Paper | Logo | Recommended By | Event Photos
Corporate:

About Us | Advertise with Us | Legal | Syndicate | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Contact Us

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Copyright© 1997-2008 Healthcastle Nutrition Inc. All rights reserved.