GOT FLAX?
Flax seeds have gained a great deal of
publicity in recent years and as with most super-foods,
enthusiastic “experts” share both
useful and confusing information.
Flax is one of the oldest known
cultivated plants. It was grown for its fiber, which was woven into
linen, for its seeds, which provide flax oil, and its mucilage fiber,
which can improve gastrointestinal function.
In the 8th century, Emperor
Charlemagne felt flax was so important that he passed laws requiring
his subjects eat it daily.
Ancient East Indian scriptures say that
a yogi must eat flax daily to reach the highest state of contentment
and joy. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Wherever flax seed becomes a regular
food item among the people, there will be better health.”
One of the most compelling reasons to
eat flax seeds is their omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) content,
one of the highest among vegetarian sources. EFAs are “essential”
because they are required nutrients that our bodies cannot create
from other nutrients – we must eat them. The standard American diet
many of us eat is seriously deficient in Omega 3 EFAs, while Omega 6
and 9 EFAs are over-represented. The optimum ratio of Omega 6 to
Omega 3 is <4:1. The typical American consumer usually eats these
nutrients at a ratio >15:1. Most plant oils, seeds, nuts, poultry,
and eggs contain significant amounts of Omega 6 EFA. The EFAs
obtained from organic cold pressed oils and raw nuts are far
superior to the oils and roasted/salted nuts most people buy in
their local supermarket. Many cheaper oils like corn, soy, and
vegetable oils come from genetically engineered crops.
Benefits of Flax Seeds
High quality, easily digestible
protein that contains all essential amino acids
High in fiber /the best natural
laxative
a. Sweeps the colon
b. Softens the stool and maintains
regularity
c. 12% mucilage fiber
d. water soluble
e. Protects intestinal mucous
membranes
f. Helps feed and maintain
friendly intestinal bacteria
g. Can help stabilize blood sugar
h Contains all minerals,
vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E as well as carotene
i. High in lignans,
(anti-fungal, anti-cancer)
j. Lowers blood cholesterol by
preventing re-absorption of bile acids from the intestines
Advertisers would have us believe that
flax seeds added to processed foods like cereal, breads, and tortilla
chips are a good thing. Some Omega 3 EFAs are destroyed by heat, so
to get the full benefit, the flax seeds must be raw. The seeds have a
very tough exterior so they must be soaked for several hours or
ground. Once ground, the Omega 3 EFAs oxidize rapidly so buying the
seeds in the ground state will still provide some nutrients and
fiber, but the Omega 3 EFA content is diminished or lost. An electric coffee
mill is a wonderful tool for grinding your own raw seeds in less than
10 seconds.. Individuals respond differently to adding flax seeds,
depending on their current level of intestinal health. 1-3 Tbsp of
ground seeds daily can help improve bowel function when there is
adequate water intake. Chronic constipation weakens the intestinal system. A poor response to flax in the diet may indicate
inadequate water intake or that colon irrigation may be necessary to begin restoration of normal intestinal tone, and a gradual removal of mucoid plaque and retained waste.
Flax seed oil is a terrific source of Omega 3 EFAs and has been well-researched by Dr. Johanna Budwig, who has used the oil to help many people dealing with cancer. The oil doesn't contain protein or fiber.
Flax seed oil is a terrific source of Omega 3 EFAs and has been well-researched by Dr. Johanna Budwig, who has used the oil to help many people dealing with cancer. The oil doesn't contain protein or fiber.
