Flaxseed
Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Cures for Diseases, Ailments & Illnesses that afflict Humans and Animals
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Dandelion •
Echinacea •
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accept the bitter to get better
 Flaxseed at Various Stages | |||
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 Golden Flaxseed |
Flaxseed
The medicinal herb Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil as an alternative herbal remedy - Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.Common Names--flaxseed, linseed
Latin Names--Linum usitatissimum
What Flaxseed Is Used For
- Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
- Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
- Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
- Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.
How Flaxseed Is Used
- Whole or crushed flaxseed can be mixed with water or juice and taken by mouth.
- Flaxseed is also available in powder form. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form.
- Flaxseed contains lignans (phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens), while flaxseed oil preparations lack lignans.
What the Science Says about Flaxseed
- Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and is an effective laxative.
- Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results.
- Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
- Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
- NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies have looked at the effects of flaxseed on high cholesterol levels, as well as its possible role in preventing conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Side Effects and Cautions of Flaxseed
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
- Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage.
- The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
- Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including flaxseed or flaxseed oil. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
News About Flaxseed
Flaxseeds: 8 surprising reasons you should eat more of it!
- Source:http://zeenews.india.com/health/flaxseeds-8-surprising-reasons-you-should-eat-more-of-it-1904220
- (Zee Media Bureau)
New Delhi: Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, are one of the world's healthiest foods packed with micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats. Of late, flax has widely drawn attention of nutritionists as well as health researchers alike owing to massive health benefits that it gives.
Here are some fascinating reasons why you should be eating more flaxseeds:
- • Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered good for your cardiovascular health.
- • Lignans found in flaxseeds act as antioxidants, and thereby preventing cancer.
- • Flaxseed is a low glycemic food and helps stabilize blood sugar levels for longer.
- • Flaxseeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that helps improve digestive health or relieve constipation.
- • The ALA fats in flaxseeds also benefits the skin and hair by providing essential fats as well as b-vitamins which reduce dryness and flakiness.
- • The soluble fiber content of flaxseeds reduces your cholesterol levels.
- • Flaxseeds are also an excellent diet for those trying to lose weight because of its high fiber content. Research has shown that high-fiber diets are more satiating while making you to eat fewer calories which may lead to weight loss.
From Weight Loss to Digestion, All the Reasons You Should Be Eating Flaxseeds
- By Jenny Sugar
Are you noticing flaxseeds added to just about everything these days? It's for good reason — they're insanely healthy — but do you know why? Check out the reasons you should be eating flaxseeds (if you're not already).
1. Walnuts and fish are excellent sources of omega-3s, but so are flaxseeds. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of omega-3s is around one gram a day, and one tablespoon of flaxseed offers 2.3 grams (one tablespoon of flaxmeal offers 1.6 grams).
2. The omega-3s in flaxseed can help reduce inflammation that leads to conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis.
3. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one kind of omega-3 fatty acid that is found in flaxseeds, and this fat helps promote bone health.
4. Flaxseed is known to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, and it may lower blood pressure — all essential elements to having a healthy heart.
5. Whole flaxseed is a great source of fiber. One tablespoon contains three grams of fiber, which can aid in digestion, help prevent constipation, and aid in weight loss.
6. Lignans, the fiber found in flaxseed, promotes regular digestion and are thought to have a role in breast cancer prevention.
Here are some creative tips on how you can get more flax into your diet.
- • Sprinkle seeds or ground flaxseed on your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, salad, or sandwiches.
- • Add flaxseed to your recipes. They make the perfect high-fiber egg replacer — one tablespoon flaxmeal mixed with three tablespoons water equals one egg. Try it in these gingerbread "buttermilk" pancakes or this protein-packed banana bread.
- • Add flaxmeal or flaxseeds to your blender when making your breakfast smoothie — the healthy fats and fiber will keep you feeling full longer.
- • Look for products that have added flax such as cereal, bread, and crackers.
The Nutritional Benefits of Flaxseed
- By Leah Rocketto
From cayenne pepper cleanses to shake-weights, the health world has seen several trends come and go. But one fad seems to have stood the test of time: flaxseed. Besides its high fiber content, several studies have tentatively linked this omega-3-rich seed to lowered cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease.
- The Need-to-Know
Derived from the blue flax flower, flaxseeds are slightly larger and darker than sesame seeds. And, due to their dense fiber content, flaxseeds are perhaps most commonly used to aid with constipation and other digestive issues (kind of like Scrubbing Bubbles for the stomach). The seeds also contain a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help regulate cholesterol levels. And one recent study found that consuming 3 tablespoons of flaxseed lignans (compounds in the seed also linked to cancer prevention) every day for three months lowered cholesterol by between 10 and 20 percent (though only in male subjects).
But, despite its potential cardiovascular benefits, flaxseed has only been scientifically shown to have a temporary effect on cholesterol, which can quickly wear off if daily consumption stops. Furthermore, while flaxseed oil is marketed as a heart-health supplement, it's the the seed’s lignans—which aren't present in the refined oil—that might actually be more effective at keeping cholesterol in check.
- Your Action Plan
While more research is needed to fully understand flaxseed’s effect on cholesterol, its high fiber content and potential link to heart health make it a welcome addition to nearly any daily routine. Just remember: In order to get the maximum benefit, skip the oil and go for the whole or ground seed. Grinding the seeds is a great way to incorporate all the components into those favorite foods and might even help the body digest more of their nutrients.
In order to keep the lignans and omega-3s from oxidizing (which means they can lose their nutritional value), it's best to grind them fresh. Just try sprinkling some fresh-ground flax into a protein shake or morning oatmeal. Your digestive system (and maybe your heart) will thank you.
Why Flax Seeds are Important For Your Heart, Hormones and Body?
- Source:http://www.thefitindian.com/top-7-health-benefits-of-including-flax-seeds-in-your-daily-diet/
- By Deblina Biswas
With the rising emphasis on fitness and healthy eating, a tiny seed has come in to much prominence- Flax or Linseed, also known as “Alasi” in Hindi. The benefits of Flax seed are numerous and this tiny brownish seed is packed with micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy cholesterol that help fight several ailments such as, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, hot flashes. A single table spoon of ground flax seeds contain 2 grams of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, 2 grams of fiber and 37 calories. What’s even better is flax seed helps in losing weight and keeps the heart cholesterol free.
- Benefits of Flax Seeds:
The history of Flax seeds as a food crop goes back to prehistoric Babylon as early as 3000 B.C along with Georgia, China and ancient Egypt. Although flax is a power house of nutrients, the basic health benefits of flax are as follows:
- • Omega 3 fatty acids: These are essential poly unsaturated fatty acids that are crucial for healthy heart functioning and protection against cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids are primarily found in sea fishes and eggs, therefore flax is a great alternative source of this “good” fat for the vegans.
- • ALA: Alpha-linolenic acid that protects the body against inflammation, that is especially beneficial for patients suffering from arthritis, and joint pain.
- • Lignans: Flax is the richest source of lignans, that has estrogen and antioxidant qualities that helps regularize hormonal imbalance in women.
- • Fiber: The high fiber content and low carbohydrate content in flax makes it a great option for weight loss, because the fiber expands in the stomach by absorbing fluids and gives us a fuller feeling, and checks hunger for a long time.
- Antioxidants That Fight Cancer:
The high level of omega 3 fatty acid and Lignans present in flax combats prostate cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Three types of Lignans found in flax seed are-secoisolariciresinol, matairesinol and pinoresinol that has capacity to affect the hormonal workings and control hormone related cancers and hormone dependent tumors.
- Shields the Heart:
The positive impact of flax on human heart is boundless. About 50% of the calorie contained in flax comprises of fats, which is a mixture of several fatty acids such as, poly-unsaturated fats, mono-unsaturated fats, and very little saturated fats.
Most of the poly-unsaturated fats remain in the form ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Now, ALA is a “miracle” fatty acid that helps to reduce bad cholesterol, while leaving the good cholesterol in the blood intact. It also reduces blood-pressure and chances of stroke.
- Controls Diabetes:
Lignans present in Flax seeds work effectively in controlling Type 2 Diabetes. Research shows that a daily intake of flax builds up insulin sensitivity in glucose intolerant people. This is because of the high level of soluble fibers in flax. Consumption of a table spoon of ground flax seeds for a month has shown to improve fasting blood sugar levels.
- Protect against Inflammation:
Two specific agents present in flax seeds, namely ALA and lignans have the capacity to check the flow of certain pro-inflammatory agents that are responsible for arthritis pain, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, joint pain, etc.
- Controls Hormonal Imbalance:
The antioxidant property of Flax seed has been shown to reduce the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as, hot flashes and night sweat in post-menopausal women. Research has shown that a daily intake of about 40 grams or 2 table spoons of ground flax seed helps to improve moderate hormonal problems as well as overall psychological health.
- Responsible for Flawless Skin and Shiny Hair:
The omega 3 fatty acids helps treat skin diseases like acne, allergies and sun sensitivity. In addition, it rejuvenates the skin, regenerates the skin tone and makes it smooth, supple and glowing. It fights the problems of hair fall, dry scalp, dandruff, brittle hair and supplies nourishment to the hair follicles to make the tresses healthy and strong.
- Flax Seeds and Weight Loss:
Flax seed is an excellent addition to the diet if you are looking to shed some extra pounds and stay healthy. The high fiber content in flax makes it heavier as it absorbs fluids and expands in volume that keeps the tummy fuller for a longer time and check cravings and over-eating. This is highly favorable for weight loss.
Although, calorie counters might feel a bit taken aback by the high calorie content of this seed, research shows that those calories come from “good fats” such as poly-unsaturated fats, and mono-saturated fats in the form of omega 3 fatty acids.
- How to eat Flax Seeds?
It is better to grind the flax seeds rather than eating them whole, because the lignans are better absorbed by the body if it is consumed in the ground form. Make it a point to take plenty of water with the flax seed powder.
Get a food processor or blender, even your coffee grinder will do. Get a packet of regular whole flax seed available in the market, but remember that once you open the packet, the seeds must be stored inside an airtight container because flax seeds have a tendency to turn rancid.
Grind one cup of flax at a time and refrigerate the powder immediately and try to use it up with in a week. Start slow and take about 2 table spoons every morning in empty stomach for a few weeks and let your body get accustomed to it, and look out for any side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain. If things seem fine, then start adding it to your fruit salads, fruit smoothies and yogurt.
- How to Include Flax Seed in Your Daily Meal:
Don’t go for the whole seeds because it becomes too complex for the body to break it down and so it tends to pass through your system. Make it a point to grind the seeds before adding it to dishes.
- • Add to your favorite juice, energy drink and smoothie.
- • Sprinkle on dishes and salads.
- • Mix it with breakfast cereals.
- • Mix it with mayonnaise while making sandwiches.
- • Use flax seed power to bake cookies, bread, cakes, and muffins.
While adding flax seed powder to any dish, keep in mind not to put the powder directly in to the oil, as it tarnishes the nutty flavor of the powder and excess also destroys the valuable properties of the seeds. There are no serious side effects of flax seed as such, and it’s a food that has been with us since prehistoric times.
3 Reasons Why Flax Seeds Are the Duct Tape of Health
- By Diane Vukovic
Three of the leading health issues in the United States are heart disease, depression and diabetes. Every year, trillions are spent to treat these diseases. According to the CDC, heart disease alone costs the USA nearly $1 billion per day in medical costs and lost productivity. The irony is that many of these conditions could be treated much more safely and affordably with flax seeds, along with a diet full of whole foods and exercise.
1. Flax Seeds for Treating Heart Disease
Heart disease occurs when blood vessels are blocked or narrowed. The result can be heart attack, stroke or angina. Other problems, such as problems affecting the muscles in the heart, are also considered heart disease. As the American Heart Association says, many cases of heart disease are caused by plaque buildup in the arteries.
The reason that flax seed is so powerful against heart disease is because it contains a type of fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). As the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) points out, people who eat foods rich in ALA are less likely to get a heart attack. There are numerous ways that flax seed may be helpful for heart disease, such as by reducing hypertension, reducing inflammation, promoting blood vessel health, and making platelets less sticky.
2. Flax Seeds for Depression and Anxiety
There is no shortage of studies (such as the ones listed here) that suggest low levels of Omega 3 fatty acids can lead to depression, and that supplementing with Omega 3 can improve mood, depression and anxiety. And guess what is a good source of Omega 3? Yes, flax seeds!
The mental health benefits of flax don’t stop there. Flax seeds are also rich in vitamin B6. As UMM points out here, your body needs B6 to make serotonin, which in turn is used to regulate mood. Some researchers, like the ones behind this study, believe that low levels of B6 might even cause depression. Flax seeds are a good source of B6, so go ahead and add them to your breakfast cereals or smoothies.
3. Flax Seeds for Type-2 Diabetes
Type-2 diabetes is a disorder in which people have trouble metabolizing glucose. Normally, the body produces insulin to help turn glucose from food into energy. People with type-2 diabetes are able to produce insulin; their bodies just aren’t able to use the insulin effectively. To prevent dangerous spikes in their blood sugar, people with diabetes need to be very careful about how much sugar they consume.
One solution for keeping blood sugar levels in check may be flax seed. As Dr. Michael Gregor talks about here, a study found that taking ground flax seed every day for a month had a positive effect on blood sugar levels in diabetics and even reduced insulin resistance. Flax seeds are also rich in fiber, which helps slow down digestion (keeps blood sugar from spiking) and can improve type-2 diabetes. This article talks more about natural ways to prevent diabetes.
Flax Seeds Alone Aren’t Going to Cure You of Disease
Of course, simply adding flax seeds to an otherwise-bad diet isn’t going to magically cure you of disease. However, in addition to a healthy diet with many plant-based whole foods, flax seeds can help you prevent and fight off all of these common health conditions. In this way, flax seeds really are the all-purpose “duct tape” of health!
Do you eat flax seeds or use flax seed oil? What’s your favorite way to consume them?
Tiny flaxseeds offer big nutritional boost
- By Lisa McCoy (Shirley Charm, Aramark dietetic intern, contributed to this column)
Good things come in small packages.
That is true for the tiny flaxseed. The small seed has been called the most powerful plant food because of its many health benefits.
It has been a staple in diets across Africa, Asia and Europe for centuries but only recently gained attention in Canada and the United States. More than 300 new flax-based food products were launched in the United States and Canada in the past five years.
Not only has consumer demand increased, but its use as feed for animals. In fact, flaxseed is used to feed chickens that are laying eggs with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Flaxseeds come from flax, the same plant used to make linen. The health benefits of flaxseed are derived from three main components: omega-3 essential fatty acids, lignans and fiber.
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the “good” fats that might be helpful in preventing heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. Other dietary sources of these essential fatty acids are canola oil, soybean oil, fatty fish, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. One study found the addition of flaxseed to a low-fat diet lowered the levels of total blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Other studies have suggested that omega-3s and lignans help prevent hardening of the arteries and plaque deposits in the arteries.
The lignans in flaxseed also have phytoestrogen and antioxidant qualities. That might help prevent certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate. However, individuals with cancer should consult their physicians before adding flaxseed to their diets.
Flaxseeds contain very high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber forms a gel-like structure when mixed with water to add bulk to the stool. That helps it move more quickly through the intestines and promote regular bowel movements.
The insoluble fiber found in flaxseed might help slow the release of sugar in the bloodstream, resulting in better glucose control for people with diabetes. Individuals with bowel obstruction, inflamed bowels or a narrowed esophagus should consult their physicians before using flaxseed.
Flaxseeds can be purchased in bulk, whole or ground, at grocery and health-food stores. To get the full health benefits of the omega-3s and fiber, use ground flaxseed instead of whole. You can grind flaxseeds in a coffee grinder and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Flaxseeds have a nutty flavor. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in breakfast cereal, smoothies or yogurt. Add a teaspoon to mayonnaise or mustard when making a sandwich. You can also add it to meatloaf, muffins, breads and cookies.
When adding flaxseed to your diet, start slowly and be sure to drink extra water.
Flaxseed oil is another product of flaxseed. The oil can be used in salad dressings and for stir-frying. Store the oil in the refrigerator and be mindful of the expiration date.
Add flaxseed to your diet to boost overall health.
Lisa McCoy is a family and consumer-sciences educator with University of Maryland Extension in Washington County.
5 reasons how flaxseeds contribute to your good health
- By Shruti Saxena (Zee Media Bureau)
New Delhi: Yes, the small little seeds can have multiple health benefits. Adding flaxseeds to your diet will not only help improving your heart's health but will also aid in bettter digestion.
Flaxseeds are high on protein and its best to consume them in a powdered form as it increases the amount of nutrients absorbed.
Here are a few health benefits of flaxseeds:
-Flaxseeds help in weight loss as they are low in calories and rich in fibre content.
-Including flaxseeds in your daily diet also helps lower blood pressure, cure headaches and fights several cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
-Flaxseeds are a rich source of antioxidants and help protect against the damaging effects of radiation.
-Flaxseed oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which can contribute to heart health and help reduce inflammation.
-Due to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids and lignan, adding flaxseeds to juice, salads, cookies and muffins can help ward off prostate cancer risk.
• Warning: Pregnant women or breast feeding mothers should not consume flaxseeds
Flaxseed May Relieve Hot Flashes
- BY KATHLEEN DOHENY (HEALTHDAY REPORTER)
(HealthDay News) -- Flaxseed may be one way to reduce the bothersome hot flashes of menopause, Mayo Clinic researchers report.
A small pilot study found that postmenopausal women not on estrogen who used dietary flaxseed daily reported a 50 percent reduction in hot flashes over the course of six weeks.
"Flaxseed worked very well," said Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, director of the Mayo Breast Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. "The women who used it said it really helped them."
But another expert, Dr. Wulf H. Utian, executive director of the North American Menopause Society, cautioned that the study was too preliminary to prove that flaxseed is effective.
While hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen, is effective against hot flashes, its long-term use has fallen out of favor since the large study known as the Women's Health Initiative found an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer and other problems with long-term HRT use. So, Pruthi and her team were looking at options for women who suffered from hot flashes but didn't want to take estrogen.
They enrolled 29 postmenopausal women, median age 55, in the study. To join, the women had to have at least 14 hot flashes a week for at least one month.
"Flaxseed has some natural phytoestrogens," Pruthi said, explaining how it, like the hormone estrogen, could possibly have an effect on hot flashes.
Over the course of the study, the women sprinkled 40 grams of crushed flaxseed daily into yogurt or cereal or mixed it with orange juice or water.
In the end, 21 women completed the study; others had dropped out because of side effects. Of those who finished, the researchers said, the frequency of hot flashes declined 50 percent, and the hot flash score -- a combined measure of a flash's severity and frequency -- was found to have decreased about 57 percent.
"By the second or third week, most women noticed improvement," Pruthi said, adding that she is now planning a larger study to compare flaxseed to a placebo.
Until those results are in, Utian is not convinced the flaxseed is a proven treatment for hot flashes.
"This reduction [in the pilot study] could fall into the placebo effect," he said.
The study was also relatively brief, he added. And many women experiencing menopause suffer many more hot flashes than 14 a week. (Fifteen of the Mayo study women reported 10 or more a week, but 13 reported 2 to 9 a week.)
Utian added, however, that he was not aware of any harm in eating flaxseed.
And Pruthi said that because the fiber content gave some women in the study abdominal discomfort, those that find it hard on the stomach should consider starting at a lower dose and working up.
Her research was just published in the summer 2007 issue of the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology.
More information
To learn more about hot flashes, visit Breast cancer.org.
5 Ways To Use Flaxseed In Hair To Get Healthy Hydration
- Source:http://www.bustle.com/articles/111483-5-ways-to-use-flaxseed-in-hair-to-get-healthy-hydration
- By Kristin Collins Jackson
There is no doubt that I owe my newly hydrated hair twists to the hair benefits of flaxseed oil. With just a week of my trusty flaxseed oil spray, I've seen a vast difference in the moisture of my twists. I still continue to boast about castor and shea butter benefits for hair growth and moisture, but using heavy oils in my hair can promote breakouts leaving me wondering if hydrated locks was worth the eyesore that has become my hairline. Flaxseed oil has given me moisture and nutrients sans breakouts.
When I first wrote about flaxseed oil I was completely focused on its ability to heal wounds and less on the fact that it is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to sources at Black Hair Planet, lack of these essentials can lead to a weakened scalp making hair growth next to impossible. The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseed are actually going to promote a healthy environment for hair growth in your scalp. Choosing the right flaxseed oil can make or break a natural hair treatment, cold pressed flaxseed oil preserves nutrients such as vitamin E, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
You can make your own flaxseed oil or purchase your own oil. I personally find that straining out seeds in flaxseed gels can be incredibly annoying and you definitely don't want those tiny seeds ending up in your strands.
1. Flaxseed Hair Spritz A homemade flaxseed hair spritz can make all the difference between drying locks and hydrated tresses. Wearing my hair in protective styles for multiple days can dry out my hair because it doesn't get its usual dose of moisture as it does when my hair is out. I made a hair spritz with one part water, one part flaxseed oil, one part sunflower oil, and a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin. I added lavender oil and clary sage to make my mix smell scrumptious and less oily. Spritz your hair when you're feeling dry and let the amino acids work their magic.
2. Flaxseed Oil Scalp Treatment Scalp treatments are great for stubborn hair that has trouble growing, whether you're transitioning from chemical treatments to a natural routine or suffering from hair loss, massaging flaxseed oil directly on your scalp in the evening and rinsing out in the morning can help your scalp promote healthy hair growth. I blended flaxseed oil, aloe vera oil, chia oil, and few drops of lavender oil together to make one amazing hair growth mask.
3. Flaxseed Oil Hair Gel Making your own flaxseed hair gel is growing in popularity, I like to mix chia and flaxseed oil with a tiny bit of aloe vera. Flaxseed gel gets its thickness when left overnight while chia seeds seem to get thick in consistency when water is added. Regardless of if you choose to make your own or purchase your oil, this is one hair gel that won't leave you with product build-up. Remember, a little bit goes a long way.
4. Flaxseed Treatment For Dead Ends Making your own flaxseed hair gel is growing in popularity, I like to mix chia and flaxseed oil with a tiny bit of aloe vera. Flaxseed gel gets its thickness when left overnight while chia seeds seem to get thick in consistency when water is added. Regardless of if you choose to make your own or purchase your oil, this is one hair gel that won't leave you with product build-up. Remember, a little bit goes a long way.
5. Flaxseed Treatment For Dead Ends Nothing says hydration and hair growth like a spa-like hot oil treatment. Whether you choose to use a hot towel, a blow dryer, or a hair dryer, be sure to use the right oils. A combination of flaxseed oil, jojoba oil, and a few drops of sandalwood applied to wet hair for about 20 minutes should get your tresses drinking in some serious moisture.
There's no need to spend a ton of money on hair products when you can just open your kitchen cabinet and go to town, am I right?
Flaxseed linked to lower cholesterol
- By Georgia Clark-Albert(Special to the BDN)
For a food product to be granted the approval to associate it with a health-related claim is the pinnacle for food marketing. The Flax Council of Canada has been granted such a correlation. Ground whole flaxseed has been linked to lower cholesterol by Health Canada’s Food Directorate. This opens the floodgates for development of and potential demand for consumable products incorporating flax.
The claim has been substantiated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and states that consuming 40 grams, or about 5 tablespoons, of ground flaxseed daily will help reduce cholesterol levels.
This is of significant pride for Canada, since it is the first country in the world that has been allowed a health-related claim for flaxseed for use on food labels. Health Canada has rigorous scientific criteria, and this claim is one of only a dozen that has been able to meet the required standards.
It shouldn’t go without mention that Canada is the largest producer of flaxseed in the world, with 40 percent of the international production. China, the U.S. and India grow the remaining flaxseed. In 2012 the U.S.’s value of flax was $78.3 million for the 5.8 million bushels of flax produced, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.
So you are wondering what exactly is this flax seed or is it flaxseed? It is seen written both ways. Flaxseed (my preference) is a blue flowering plant, grown on the western prairies of Canada, for its oil rich seeds. The natural oil, you may know it as linseed oil, is considered nature’s richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, approximately 50 percent more than you would get from taking fish oil, without the fishy aftertaste. In additional to omega-3’s, flaxseed oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, fiber, protein, zinc, lecithin and potassium.
The Flax Council of Canada is recommending that manufacturers make the following claims on food labels:
— Ground (whole) flaxseed helps reduce/lower cholesterol;
— high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
Flaxseed is available in whole seed and ground seed forms. By milling or grinding the seeds, the nutrients are more available for digestion, since whole unmilled flaxseeds cannot be digested by humans. Flax has a mild flavor that does not negatively impact the taste of most foods so it is a great product to be added to fortify baked goods. Flax ingredients can help improve volume, sheetability and shelf life of products. Very finely milled flaxseed ingredients can provide a smooth texture for ready-to-drink or ready-to-mix fortified beverages or nutritional supplements.
If you haven’t tried flaxseed before, here is a simple recipe to introduce you. If you feel more daring, the cookies are great.
Crunch Breakfast Topping
1 cup sliced almonds (try cocoa almonds)
1 cup ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Place the almonds into a blender cup, cover and blend on chop for 30 seconds until it looks like a fine cornmeal. Put into a bowl. Add the flaxseed and cinnamon. Whisk together to combine. Put in a covered jar or sealed plastic container and store in the refrigerator.
This makes 2 cups. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons on your morning cereal or yogurt or add it to a smoothie. It is also good added to oatmeal or ice cream.
Flaxseed Cookies
Makes 50 cookies. Each cookie contains 1/2 teaspoon of flaxseed.
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup soy flour (I prefer whole wheat)
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Heat the oven to 350 F.
Cream butter and sugars until mixture is light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla, and beat well. In a separate bowl, mix flour, soy flour, oatmeal, ground flaxseed, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir into creamed mixture.
Add almonds and chocolate chips. Mix until blended. Place a heaping teaspoon on a greased cookie sheet, leaving two inches between cookies.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
The magic of flaxseeds: Healthy hair, improved digestion and reduced hypertension
- (IndiaToday.in)
These little seeds have more qualities than you could have ever imagined.
Flaxseeds, or the brown-coloured tiny seeds of health you might have been ignoring till now, could just be the cure for the high cholesterol levels in your body or for those extra kilos that have piled on due that summer holiday and you have been trying hard to get rid of.
Referred to as linseeds at time, flax seeds are rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that are of extreme help to your overall health. The seed and its oil is often used for medicinal purposes including the cure of constipation, coronary artery disease among others.
Some other benefits of flaxseeds are as follows.
Reduces hypertension: Needless to say that the high-blood pressure levels, or hypertension in individuals is extremely harmful for the healthy functioning of ones' body. Flaxseeds are said to be useful in lowering the blood-pressure levels in individuals. In a research conducted by the journal Meat Science, it was revealed that the regular consumption of flaxseeds can lead to a significant fall in blood-pressure by a whopping 10 points.
Improves digestion: The tremendous benefits of flaxseeds aren't merely limited to your blood flow, but also branch out to the other important bodily functions including digestion. Flaxseeds are a brilliant source of dietary fibre which are in turn a must for the bowel movements to be in your favour. You do not have to necessarily consume these seeds in their raw form, the option of adding them to your diet in form of oil and flaxseed flour is also available.
Lowers cholesterol: The kind of lifestyle most of us have today is scarred with the irrational consumption of unhealthy, fat-laden food and little or no exercise. It therefore becomes almost natural for the levels of cholesterol to shoot up. The high levels of cholesterol in ones' body can result in the clogging of arteries, which may ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke. The consumption of flaxseeds on a regular basis have been known to have a significant hand in lowering the levels of cholesterol. Whether you want to sprinkle flaxseeds on your food or crush them and consume their oil is completely up to you.
Healthier skin, nails and hair: A vegetarian alternative for the intake of the very healthy fish oil, flaxseed oil is extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Food items rich in Omega-3s are said to provide hydration, lock moisture and lend a healthy appearance to the skin and hair. Using flaxseeds in forms such as flaxseed gel, flaxseed facial or simply applying flaxseed oil to your hair will reap wonderful benefits for you.
Rich in fibre, low on carbohydrates: Many a times, food items that are rich in fibre are also potential sources of carbohydrates. The right amount of fibre intake by one ensures that his or her body has a normal glucose level, a fully-functional digestive system, and cholesterol levels that aren't unhealthy. Flaxseeds are one of the few food items which are rich in fibre, but low on carbohydrates. According to healthyeating.sfgate.com, "a tablespoon of whole flaxseeds contains 3 grams of fibre, which is 11% of the daily recommended value of fibre for both men and women."
The benefits of flaxseeds mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. These tiny seeds of goodness have also been known to act as the instrumental change in helping with menopausal symptoms like hot sweats, and in the reduction of depression.
What the Role of Flaxseed in Preventing Heart Disease?
- By Linda Gilmour Kessler, RD
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Canada and the United States. There are many things you can do to lower your risk of heart disease: • Know your blood pressure and keep it under control • Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keep them under control • Exercise regularly • Don't smoke • Get tested for diabetes and if you have it, keep it under control • Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables • Maintain a healthy weight
The Role of Flaxseed in Preventing Heart Disease
Flaxseed can promote heart health by lowering total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and protecting the blood vessels from damaging inflammation. Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fibre – components that are known to protect against heart disease.
Flaxseed Health Claim
Health Canada has approved a health claim for flaxseed based on evidence that linked ground (milled) whole flaxseed with reductions in blood cholesterol. Flaxseed decreases total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels enough to significantly reduce the death rate from heart disease by 8.5%.
The health claim states that eating 5 Tbsp. (75 mL) of ground (milled) whole flaxseed per day over three meals helps reduce cholesterol. Other permitted health claims for ground flaxseed include:
- • 16 g (2 tablespoons) (30 mL) of ground flaxseed supplies 40% of the daily amount shown to help lower cholesterol
- • Ground (whole) flaxseed helps reduce/lower cholesterol
- • High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease
- • Ground (whole) flaxseed helps reduce/lower cholesterol, (which is) a risk factor for heart disease
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flaxseed contains heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids that may help lower blood pressure and heart rate, decrease blood clotting, improve blood vessel function, lower triglycerides and lower inflammation.
Soluble Fibre
Flaxseed is a good source of total dietary fibre, containing 2 g of fibre per tablespoon (15 mL). Flaxseed contains a high amount of soluble dietary fibre that may help to lower serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation to reduce the risk of heart disease. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease. Healthy eating, active living, having a healthy weight, not smoking and keeping health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control are all important to protecting your heart. Including ground flaxseed as part of your heathy eating plan is an easy way to help protect your heart!
Could Flaxseed Compound Prevent Mesothelioma?
- By Alex Strauss
There is new evidence that an antioxidant compound found in flaxseeds may help in the fight against malignant mesothelioma.
Approximately 2,500 new cases of the asbestos cancer are diagnosed in the US each year and tens of thousands more around the globe, yet there is still no cure.
Now, researchers in Pennsylvania say flaxseed lignans may hold the key to helping prevent mesothelioma. What are Flaxseed Lignans?
Lignans are polyphenols found in plants, including flax, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds.
According to research at Oregon State University, lignans are the principal source of dietary phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can mimic some of the effects of estrogen in the body, in the Western diet.
Flaxseed lignans are rich in a compound called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, an antioxidant which has been shown to slow the growth of human breast cancer in mice. Testing Lignans for Mesothelioma Prevention
To test whether flaxseed lignans could help prevent malignant mesothelioma, researchers at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia used two groups of mice.
One group of 16-17 mice was fed a standard diet while the the second group was fed a diet supplemented with flaxseed lignan compound.
After one week, the mice were injected with asbestos fibers, the number one cause of mesothelioma worldwide. Defending Against Asbestos
One of the ways asbestos is thought to trigger mesothelioma is by causing chronic inflammation. But the Pennsylvania team found that mice who ate the flax-enriched diet experienced much less of the kind of inflammation that can lead to mesothelioma.
“Flaxseed lignan component also significantly blunted asbestos-induced nitrosative and oxidative stress,” the team reports in the journal Carcinogenesis.
Because this kind of cellular “stress” can also influence the development of mesothelioma, the team concludes that flaxseed lignans “may prove to be a promising agent in the chemoprevention of malignant mesothelioma.”
Flattering Flax seeds: Health benefits of the wonder seed
- Source:http://www.freepressjournal.in/flattering-flax-seeds-health-benefits-of-the-wonder-seed/687600
- (FPJ Bureau)
The other day, I saw something new in my kitchen- brownish, flat seeds. I had not seen it before. On enquiry, I was told they were roasted flax seeds, something that one of my mom’s friends had suggested that she consume it every day in order to reduce joint pains. Wow! Another home remedy; I grinned.
On further research, here’s what I got to know and I would like to thank the lady who introduced flax seeds to our family.
- Protective against cancer
Flax seeds may reduce risks of certain cancers, along with lung and cardiovascular diseases.By interfering with the growth and spread of tumor cells, it is said to increase the survival of cancer patients thanks to the presence of lignans. It has a protective effect against colon, breast and prostate cancer and also melanoma tumor.
- Regulates blood pressure
According to Greek researchers, adding flax seed oil to your diet would help reduce hypertension (high blood pressure). With that, you may be saved from the terrible headaches that accompany high blood pressure.
- Fights depression
At a time when our stress levels compete every day, depression can sometimes follow like an uninvited guest. According to a Japanese study, eating flax seeds could rectify the imbalances in the body. Smile, while you still have teeth and after that, of course you have flax seeds.
- Helps against liver degradation
After downing jugs of alcohol, even after your body tells you to go slow, there are chances that your liver’s functioning would have started going for a toss. Flax seeds could help lower the risk of contracting liver disease. But then, in order to completely be safe from alcohol’s detrimental effects, you do have to say goodbye to it sooner!
- Relieves hot-flashes
In post-menopausal women, flax seeds seem to alleviate hot flashes. Also, it helps in maintaining their overall health.
Note: Some of the side effects of consumption of flax seeds include bloating, constipation, stomach pains, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.
Sources:
www.webmd.com
www.mensfitness.com
Photo Gallery of Flaxseed
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