A Few Flaxseed Oil Benefits
By Ben
Mester
Flaxseed oil is
something that can be taken in many forms, and if you haven't started, the
health benefits of flaxseed oil are very compelling. But before we go into
that, let's explore flax and flaxseed a bit. Flaxseed, also known as flax seed
and linseed, has been used and cultivated by man for many thousands of years.
Native mostly to the Mediterranean region and east towards India, flaxseed and
the oil it produces are very rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Similar to fish oils
and cod liver oil in that way, flaxseed is one of the few plants rich in
beneficial omega acids.
Flaxseed also contains
a healthy amount of fiber and is consumed as a dietary supplement for that
reason also. Flaxseed can be consumed in a variety of manners. Some people
prefer to eat flaxseed in seed form, while other people like to eat it in some
form of powder, whereas still other people like to take the seed oil extract as
a dietary supplement. To retain maximum benefits of the flax seed however, it's
recommended that you either eat the entire seed or use it in ground powder
form, instead of simply taking the oil.
1. Lowers Cholesterol.
In an age where the majority of Americans over 50 have prescriptions for
cholesterol controlling drugs like Lipitor, don't you think it's wise to at least
explore controlling cholesterol in a natural way? Clinical studies have
demonstrated that flaxseed oil helps the body to regulate levels of LDL
cholesterol. That is the unhealthy type by the way. Before running to
prescriptions, try boosting your fiber intake, and sprinkle some flax seeds
over a salad or on top of some steamed vegetables. They're about the same size
as poppy seeds and they have very little flavor.
2. Reduces Blood
Pressure. Because of its levels of Omega 3 fatty acid and other factors, flaxseed
oil is very good for the heart. In fact, because flaxseed is native to the
Mediterranean area and has been used there for thousands of years, some
researches speculate that the flax seed is one of the main components to why
the Mediterranean diet is so heart healthy.
3. Reduces
Inflammation. Recent studies have begun to show that flaxseed oil helps to
reduce inflammation, and eases pain in the joints. These studies are
inconclusive however, and the results are speculative.
4. Fights Cancer.
Flaxseed has a grouping of compounds that's known as lignans, which studies
have shown to help fight cancer. Flaxseed oil however, does not contain the
same group of chemicals. That's why it was stated in the first paragraph that
in order to obtain the full health benefits of flaxseed oil and flaxseed, it
would need to be taken either as whole seeds, or ground up into powder.
For best results, you
should try taking flax seed in powder form. Powders are usually a lot easier to
work with than seeds, and flaxseed powder is no exception, with its virtually
tasteless flavor. If you love fruit smoothies, you can mix in a small amount of
flaxseed powder for that extra health benefit. You can add flaxseed powder in
with flour during baking. You can also sprinkle some powder in with cheese
sauces or cream sauces. A little bit of flaxseed goes a long way.
Thanks for stopping
by! If you want to read more about different kinds of beneficial oils, read my
articles on emulsified cod fish oil, andblack seed oil.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ben_Mester/42875
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