Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

Are Flax Seeds really that ‘great’ for you?

Flaxseeds are being given credit for a large assortment of health benefits from fighting cholesterol and diabetes to cancer and constipation.  It is linked with strong anti-Inflammatory benefits, protecting bone health, reducing hot flashes and fighting dry eyes.  So is this hype or is it real, and how can you be sure?

“The World’s Healthiest Foods, at www.whfoods.org”, claims this is absolutely true.

Diabetes: The University of Toronto conducted a study which showed 28% lower blood sugar levels one hour after eating flaxseed bread verses the wheat bread study group.

Omega-3 fats produce flexible cell membranes, making them much better able to respond to insulin and glucose correctly.

Cancer: Flaxseed has up to 800 times the lignans, (natural cancer-protective compounds) found in other tested plant food.  Flax seed is also high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a promising cancer fighting agent.  Flax seed is one of the best sources of fiber on the planet.  Flax seed fiber, lignans, and ALA (Omega-3 fats) help protect colon cells from cancer-causing toxins and free radicals, they are a key player in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.

Constipation: Flax seed is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber.  One ounce of flax provides 32% of the USDA’s recommended intake of fiber.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: The body uses Omega-3 fats to produce SEries 1 & 3 prostaglandins, anti-inflammatory hormone-like molecules.  These molecules help reduce ‘inflammation’ which is a significant factor in most illnesses and disease, especially  asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches and osteoporosis.

Bone Health: ALA is also shown to promotes bone health by helping to prevent excessive bone turnover and by reducing bone loss.

Heart Disease: Omega-3 fats in Flax seed produce substances that reduce the formation of blood clots which can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

High Blood Pressure:  Studies show that individuals whose diets are higher in Omega-3 fatty acids have lower blood pressure.  (International Study of Macro and Micro-nutrients and Blood Pressure, INTERMAP study Ueshina Hm Stamler J, et al.)

Hot Flashes reduced by 50%!!: Researchers found that the frequency of hot flashes decreased by 50% when taking 1.4 oz of crushed flaxseed daily for 6 weeks, and overall hot flash scores decreased an average of 57%!  (J Soc Integr Oncol. 2007 Summer; 5(3):106-12).

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) afflicts more than 10 milllion Americans.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied nearly 40,000 women health professionals.  They found that the women whose diets were highest in Omega-3 fats had a 17% lower risk of dry eye syndrome.

Because flax seed is so versatile in its nutritional abilities, Avena Farms wanted to use it in creating their new Avena Naturale Bar.  With Flax Seed and Oats used as the main building blocks, we were successful in creating a fabulous tasting, nutritious, and completely wholesome snack bar.  Please visit us at www.avenanaturale.com.