Benefits of Flax Seeds

Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The fiber in flaxseed is found primarily in the seed coat. Taken before a meal, flaxseed fiber seems to make people feel less hungry, so that they might eat less food. Researchers believe this fiber binds with cholesterol in the intestine and prevents it from being absorbed. Flaxseed also seems to make platelets, the blood cells involved in clotting, less sticky. Overall, flaxseed’s effects on cholesterol and blood clotting may lower the risk of “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).

Flaxseed is sometimes tried for cancer because it is broken down by the body into chemicals called “lignans.” Lignans are similar to the female hormone estrogen - so similar, in fact, that they compete with estrogen for a part in certain chemical reactions. As a result, natural estrogens seem to become less powerful in the body. Some researchers believe that lignans may be able to slow down the progress of certain breast cancers and other types of cancers that need estrogen to thrive.

For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), flaxseed is thought to improve kidney function by decreasing the thickness of blood, reducing cholesterol levels, and reducing swelling.  

Health Benefits of Alsi (Flaxseeds)

• Flax is the #1 whole-food source of lignans, a phytonutrient associated with prolonged survival in cancer patients (especially breast cancer), having 800x more than any other food. Flax may be beneficial in suppressing the growth of breast and prostate cancers because when consumed, tumor cell proliferation goes down, cancer cell death increases, and c-erbB2 score is reduced. Combining flaxseed with dietary fat restriction may have an even greater effect on prostate cancer. Taking only one tablespoon of ground flaxseed a day may help prevent and reverse diabetes. Eating flaxseeds may also diminish skin sensitivity and improve skin barrier function and condition. Because lignans are activated by out gut bacteria, taking antibiotic may impair the production of the lignans.

• Flax seeds are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium, folate, soluble fiber and even boron.

• Flaxseeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which help in reducing inflammation and hence, are very important for conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches and osteoporosis.
  
  
• Flaxseeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat, which is also found in fish oil. As such, flaxseed oil makes a great substitute for fish oil.
  
  
• Omega-3 fats present in flaxseeds are very helpful in promoting bone health and reducing excessive bone turnover.
  
  
• Omega-3 fats in flaxseeds reduce the formation of blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases.
  
  
• Omega-3 fats also help in maintaining flexible cell membranes, which further help the diabetic patients in responding better to insulin and absorption glucose effectively.
  
  
• Flaxseeds help in preventing the colon cells from carcinogenic toxins and free radicals; hence, reducing the risk of contracting colon cancer.
  
  
• Studies have proved that people who consume a diet including lots of omega-3 fats, like flaxseeds, tend have lower blood pressure than those who take less of these essential fats.
  
  
• Regular consumption of flaxseeds helps in reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
  
  
• Researches have revealed that regular intake of flaxseeds stunts the prostrate tumor growth in men, thus inhibiting the risk of prostate cancer.
  
  
• Flaxseeds have high levels of lignans and studies have proved that lignans may protect against estrogen-dependents cancers, like breast cancer.
  
  
• Flaxseeds are also very helpful to post-menopausal women. They regulate the estrogen levels in post-menopausal women and protect them from heart diseases.
  
  
• Increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids helps in effectively reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome.