But Flax also lends other health benefits to our diet. It is highly concentrated with, and when ground into meal, releases Omega-3 essential fatty acids, Lignans (contain both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities), and fiber.
Flax seed is also high in the B vitamins, which play an important role in cell metabolism, along with magnesium and manganese, which are needed for proper body function.
When this is all put together, research is revealing that Flax seed may play an important role in the aspect of preventing cancer, especially breast; prostate; and colon cancer, according to Kelley C. Fitzpatrick, MSc, director of health and nutrition with the Flax Council of Canada. Apparently, the Lignans protect against hormone-related cancers.
Elaine Magee, MPH, RD notes in her article , that Flaxseed contains 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods. She goes on to address that the role Lignans play in protecting against cancer is by blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism, and by interfering with the growth and spread of tumor cells. The protection against heart disease is attributed to the amount of Omega-3’s in Flaxseed. You can see how this tiny seed could prove important to our health as it is developed and more research is completed.
In our every day lives, most of us are concerned about maintaining our weight. With the healthy ratio of fat and high fiber in Flaxseed, it is quickly becoming an important key ingredient for individuals interested in weight loss. For those who are concerned about their starch and sugar intake, Flaxseed is ideal due to its low carbohydrate percentage.
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