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Fall, 2000 Flax: a few basic facts.
What is Flax? Flax is a plant that produces a hard, brown-shelled, oil-bearing seed known for its nutritional benefits. Its stalks are used to make linen cloth. It grows in every part of the world except the tropics and the arctic, and blooms a beautiful blue, five-petalled flower. Nutritional Benefits The greatest nutritional benefit flax has to offer is its high omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) content. EFAs cannot be produced by the body and so must be obtained through the diet. Ideally, the human body needs a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs but the modern western diet is generally deficient in omega-3. EFAs are necessary for proper function of the brain, skin, nervous system and sexual organs. They also help control high blood pressure. Flax consumption may be particularly important for vegetarians who do not obtain their omega-3s by eating fish. Flax is a source of good-quality protein, however; it is not a complete protein because some of the amino acids that make up a complete protein are only available in insignificant amounts. When flax is combined with dairy products a complete protein is formed.. Flax contains a variety of vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, sodium, chlorine, iron and zinc. The flax seed also provides fibre and mucilage which promote healthy intestinal function. Two thirds of the fibre in flax is insoluble consisting of cellulose and lignin. This type of fibre helps keep the intestinal tract clean. The remaining a fibre is soluble which helps reduce serum cholesterol levels and regulate blood glucose levels. Therapeutic Benefits Not only does flax provide valuable nutrients, it is currently being studied to determine its therapeutic benefits for viral, fungal and bacterial infections, and degenerative illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Flax provides the highest plant source of lignans (plant estrogens also known as phytoestrogens), which may play a key role in the prevention of breast, prostate and colon cancers. High blood levels of estrogen are thought to contribute to cancer development by stimulating tumour cell growth. Lignans are believed to protect against these cancers by expelling excess estrogen from the body and by interfering with tumour cell growth. Researchers believe that the lignans in flax can prevent and treat other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Lignans are strong antioxidants which means flax can help reduce the aging process and protect against some environmental toxins. Alpha linoleic acid (ALA-- a type of omega-3 fat) in flax may help prevent heart attacks by reducing the risk of potentially deadly blood clots as well as abnormal heart rhythms. Studies have shown that it can help with male fertility problems. Preliminary research indicates that omega-3 fats may help those suffering from depression and arthritis. The content on this site should not take the place of advice from your doctor. Visitors to this site agree to the terms and conditions in the disclaimer. Copyright © 1999-2010 Robin L. Russell |
Flax, a commonly used food before World War II was forgotten until its comeback in the 1990s. Studies reveal that it is not only a nutritious food, but that it also has therapeutic benefits, both preventative and curative. |