Flax seed! Some people call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet.
Studies have shown that flax seed may help fight everything from heart diseases and diabetes to breast cancer. So it helps in lowering total cholesterol and LDL ( the bad cholesterol) levels.
That's not all!!
Flax seed also helps in lowering blood triglyceride and blood pressure. It protects platelets from becoming sticky which reduces the risk of heart attack!
WHAT'S THE SECRET???
Flax seed contains all sorts of healthy components, but its healthy reputation comes up mainly from 3 main ingredients:
1- ALA: Alpha Linolenic Acid, and this is a type of omega-3 fatty acids, same as those we find in salmon and fish.
So this good fat has been shown to have heart-healthy effects.
Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
2- Lignan, type of estrogen and antioxidant. Lignan in flax seed prevents cancer diseases, most specifically breast cancer by interfering with the growth and spread of tumors cells.
Flax seed contains 75- 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
3- Fiber: Flax seed contains both the soluble and insoluble types. So it can be taken to treat constipation or diarrhea.
Flax seed is capable as well 2 decrease the hot flashes in menopausal women.
A study published in 2007 revealed that 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed (taken twice each day) cut the women's hot flashes in half. And, the intensity of their hot flashes dropped by 57% .
The benefits of flax seed oil is not the same as flax seeds. So it is better to take the flax seeds rather than flax seed oil which contains just a small part of the seeds.
How to use it in home food preparation and cooking??
Flax seed should be introduced in your diet and eating habits, and some bakers use it in breads and cereals.
AT HOME:
1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seed a day is currently the suggested dose
Flax seed has a pleasant and nutty taste
- Sprinkle ground flax seed on your salads and soups.
- Substitute ground flax seed for part of the flour in some recipes like breads, rolls and bagels .
- Substitute ground flax seed for eggs in home baking muffins and pancakes .
(1 tablespoon of flax seed + 1 tablespoon of water = 1 egg)
- Add ground flax seeds to yogurt
1 tablespoon has 45 calories, same as 1 tablespoon of olive oil. and it is worth it! 
I bought 2 packets of flax seeds last year, but I just can't figure out where to use it. I used to grind the seeds into powder and sprinkle it on salads. The problem is that you cannot grind and keep the powder for long as it goes rancid - which means you have to grind in very small quantities which gets kind of tiresome after some time.
I still have the seeds and I keep saying to myself that I will start using it tomorrow.
So this time its tomrrowww cajie!
Today evening, for sure
Cajie, btw you don't need to grind the flax seed. You can buy it from city center from the organic section and directly use it:)
This is the most interesting web site I have seen on this subject. Lots to consider. I'm going to show my Mom. It will certainly start a totally new area to talk about.
Great tip. I will certainly use this on my bog. I appreciate your time. Thanks so much. Asti
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