Oh Yes, Flax Seeds. What’s So Good about Them Again?


Anyone who has been to one of my cooking classes (What?! You haven’t been to one yet?) knows that I hold organic golden flax seed in high regard.  You see, flax is one of nature’s best creations to both nourish and heal the human body. 


Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids which are extremely important for reducing systemic inflammation and for the proper development of the brain and nervous system.  If the term omega 3 fatty acids sound familiar that’s because the commonly recommended nutritional supplement fish oil is also a source.  Flax seed omega 3 fatty acids are easily digested and use by the body.  Be sure to grind them right before using them in a smoothie adding to yogurt or doing whatever else you are doing with them because otherwise you will not be able to access the nutrients in the seed. 

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Lignans

This is a powerful phytonutrient found in flax.  It is highly responsible for flaxes ability to modulate estrogen and has been shown to reduce cancer in women (see link below).  Flax seed is the most potent dietary source of lignans which are easily accessible for digestion once the seeds around ground.  Golden flax seeds tend to have higher levels of lignans than brown flax, which is why I always recommend going with golden flax.

 

To read more about flax being used as a cancer intervention:

 


 

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