Flax benefits are known for over 1,000 years

Charlemagne, otherwise known as Charles the Great knew it. He ordered his subjects to eat flax for their health. Interesting how some things stand the test of time; he ruled in the 8^th century.

I’m not sure how they prepped them in the 8^th century, but these days I recommend a coffee grinder to grind them fresh each day.

Store your seeds in the refrigerator to protect the delicate fats within. You can grind a couple of days in advance if you must, but I wouldn’t recommend more than that. You don’t want rancid oil.

For the same rancid prevention reason, don’t buy flaxseed meal; buy the seeds whole. You can test for yourself which seeds you prefer, brown or golden. Personally I think the golden have a nicer taste, but nutritionally speaking, both colors have the same nutrients within.

Why are flax seeds a good idea for you?

Most Americans are deficient in fiber

Flax seeds are full of fiber, which is very necessary for a healthy gut. Americans are not known to have healthy GI systems and we are highly deficient in fiber – 97% of Americans don’t get enough.

Flax is very low in calories yet filling.

In fact, a little appetite suppressant tip is to eat 2 tablespoons of flax before your meal to decrease hunger and prevent overeating.

Recommended dose

A recommended daily dose is about 2 tablespoons, which you can add to your morning smoothie, sprinkle over your salad or atop cooked veggies.

Flax is full of healthy fiber, but remember to stay hydrated to keep your bowels moving easily. Flax can be a natural assist for constipation.

Fiber will bulk up your stool and feed the healthy organisms in your gut, all great benefits.

Flax is rich in healthy omega 3 fatty acids

Flax is high in the omega-3 fatty acid, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which we are unable to make as humans and therefore must get from our diets. ALA can be converted to the omega 3s you’re most familiar with, EPA and DHA.

ALA is very healthy and has been associated with heart benefits including healthy blood fats (cholesterol), reduction of hardening of the arteries, reducing blood pressure and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is important to know ALA converts to EPA and DHA, but the conversion percentage is quite poor – about 8% and 4% respectively.

As a side note: the best plant-based source of EPA and DHA is algae. Fish are rich in it because they eat algae, not because they make it themselves.

Flax is a very strong cancer fighter

Flaxseeds are the richest in lignans of all plant sources.

Lignans are phytonutrients, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens that have strong cancer-fighting properties. They’ve been studied to reduce breast cancer risk, slow the rate of tumor growth by acting to bind to estrogen receptors. They also show benefits in fighting prostate, colon, and skin cancer.

Lignans do require a healthy gut to activate them.

Flax protects your heart

In addition to the heart benefits from the fatty acid ALA mentioned above, these mighty seeds assist in

lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Recipes

We have great recipes for both granola and bread that have a good amount of flax.

If you’re avoiding eggs, flax acts as an egg replacer in some recipes. It’s gel-like consistency once its ground and mixed with warm water simulates what an egg provides from a texture standpoint.

How’s your health?

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