Flaxseeds: Super One Foods Viable Herbal Solutions to Many Health Problems
There is growing evidence that Flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) is good for improving general health or preventing diseases. Some call it super one foods or one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet since it may help raise HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, reduce joint inflammation, and promote natural prostate cancer treatment. Flaxseed meals are always belonged to a long list of beneficial heart health recipes. Although flaxseed contains many beneficial health components, it earns its healthy reputation primarily to three ingredients:
a) Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types which is valuable in treating constipation and cholesterol. b) Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. c) Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities.
Flaxseed oil is the only source of large amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). From ALA, the body can make EPA & DHA. Vegetables rich in alpha-linolenic acid can be use to enhance EPA levels in tissue concentrations similar to those associated with omega 3 concentrate supplementation.
Flaxseed oil may be useful in conjunction of fish oil since omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis pain, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis. A typical content of quality organic Flaxseed oil includes:
a) Omega-3 (alpha linolenic acid) >50% b) Omega-6 (linolenic acid) between 11% - 24% c) Omega-9 (oleic acid) between 11% - 24%
A positive balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids (EFA) is thought to be the primary contribution to flaxseed health benefits. Moreover, Germany's Commission E authorizes the use of flaxseed for various digestion jeopardy, such as chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and general stomach discomfort.
Most importantly, flaxseed also contains the valuable lignans which are phytochemicals / phytosterogen. Flaxseed is by far the richest source of lignans and contains 75 - 800 times more lignans than any other plant foods. There are also many types of lignans but the main type found in flaxseed is made up of a compound called SDG (Secoisolariciresinol Diglycoside). According to Professor Stephen Cunnane, Phd, of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada, flaxseed will be the nutraceutical food of the 21st century because of its multiple health benefits. Researchers suggested that flaxseed and lignans have beneficial effects on the following health issues:
a) Heart Diseases & Diabetes b) Breast Cancer c) Prostate Cancer d) Colon Cancer e) Coronary Heart Disease
Heart Disease & Diabetes: Researchers from Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, USA reported that in a six-month period-animal model, adding flaxseed meal to their diet may help increase good cholesterol (HDL), lower triglycerides and buildup of fats in the liver, both risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, Flaxseed meal may decrease blood levels of triglycerides and fat deposition in the liver. The team concluded that flaxseed meal supplementation may provide a new therapeutic strategy to reduce hypertriglyceridemia and fatty liver. Stop Growth in Prostate Cancer: According to Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, a researcher in Duke University Medical Center's School of Nursing (USA) and lead investigator in a clinical study, daily consumption of flaxseed oil and lignans may be one of the best alternative prostate cancer treatment options since it may stop the growth of prostate cancer tumors by interrupting the chain of events that cause cells to divide irregularly and become cancerous. Lignans have been shown in lab experiments to have significant anti-tumor properties in all stages of cancer development. Results have been in the range of 40-60% reduction in tumor size. Therefore, the researchers concluded that lignans may be considered as a potential and latest treatment on prostate cancer for male patients.
Flaxseed with SDG along with other herbs for healthy prostate are featured in Natural Assets' ProstatESE. Click here for additional information. High Blood Pressure: A diet rich in the Flaxseed's omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) may help reduce blood pressure by up to six per cent, says new research from researchers at the Harokopio University and Laiko Hospital in Athens, Greece. After 12 weeks of flaxseed supplementation, they report that the men receiving the ALA-rich flaxseed oil supplements were found to have reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures, falling from 120 to 100 mmHg and 80 to 72 mmHg, respectively. The mechanism behind the effects may be due to the effect of the omega-3 metabolites, prostaglandins, on a variety of blood pressure regulators, including control of salt and water balance, control of blood flow in the kidneys, effects on heart output Weight Loss For those concerned with their weight, flaxseed products may be able to help you loose weight easy. It is interesting to note balanced essential fatty acids (EFA) actually help burn excess calories instead of depositing them as fatty tissue and he oil is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost your metabolism. Furthermore they also act as solvents to help the body dissolve and remove hard fats deposited by long-term bad dietary habits. Whole or ground flaxseed provides you with dietary fiber that makes you feel fuller and omega-3 fatty acids that can possibly curb cravings for sweets.
Anti-Inflammation Omega-3 fatty acids such as Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) in flax oil may limit inflammatory reactions in gout, lupus by reduces inflammation in the joints, skin, and kidneys where chronic inflammation causes the most pain. ALA also act as an anti-inflammatory for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to Arthritis Today, flax oil with ALA helps lubricate the joints to lessen stiffness, reduce swelling & inflammation at the joints and prevent future damage.
Flaxseed along with other antioxidant herbs are featured in Natural Assets' AbsoGreens (Click here) and MegAlive (Click here)
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