The facts on flax

By Rosie Schwartz



These tiny seeds pack some big health benefits
Flaxseeds,
often relegated as a garnish on breads and rolls, offer a potent
arsenal of weapons to fight disease. But all too often, flax is only
found on the plates of those whose diets already score top marks for
their food choices. Considering the accumulating research on flax it may
be time for these little seeds to hit the mainstream menus.

These
little packets of goodness are a hotbed of research with scientists
linking their consumptions to a pretty impressive and growing list of
benefits. Components like fibre, omega-3 fats and compounds known as
lignans are what give flax a stellar nutritional rating.

When
it comes to fibre, what's the first food that you think of? You're not
alone if bran is the first one that comes to mind. But start thinking of
flax too. Tablespoon for tablespoon, flax has more than double the
fibre of wheat bran at three grams per.

But the fibre in
flax is a mix of both insoluble and soluble types. Insoluble is what
used to be called roughage and, as a result, flax can be used as a
remedy for constipation. But it's the soluble fibre in flax that really
offers some major perks. Soluble fibre can supply a pretty hefty blood
cholesterol-lowering kick along with advantages for blood sugar
regulation.

Studies show that consuming flaxseed daily can
reduce total cholesterol by a whopping five to 17 percent in those with
elevated readings. It also reduces levels in people with normal
cholesterol. As for the artery clogging LDL-cholesterol, flax can reduce
the counts by four to ten percent. Daily consumption can also lead to
lower fasting blood sugar readings for those with diabetes.

Then
there are flax's omega-3s. While the type found in these seeds doesn't
supply the same perks as cold water fish, it still provides benefits.
Besides some advantages for heart health including anti-inflammatory
action, these fats are connected to protection against auto-immune
diseases. Inflammation is now thought to be at the root of many chronic
illnesses. For example, an inflamed artery is much more susceptible to
cholesterol deposits and plaque formation than a healthy one. Inflamed
cells are also more likely to become cancerous.

And it's
on the battle front against cancer that flax is showing some powerful
weaponry. There have been numerous studies showing protective effects of
flaxseeds on both the prevention and spread of breast cancer. If you're
a male, there are also benefits in terms of prostate cancer treatment
as well. Eating flaxseeds regularly has been shown to reduce the spread
of prostate cancer cells.