Flaxseed benefits, warding off cancer and anxiety

Flax is a plant species of the Linaceae plant family. Native to Eurasia, this plant is grown for either its textile-worthy fiber or  its oil-bearing seeds.

Flax is a plant that recently has been discovered to provide exceptional benefits to the environment.

Flaxseed, or linseed, are known to be the absolute richest plant-derived source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 that contributes to better body protection against many diseases. Which ones? Let’s learn more…

Flaxseed health benefits and properties

High levels of omega-3 as found in flaxseed make it possible to work towards protecting the body against heart diseases and arthritis.

These seeds are also studied in the light of possible activity reducing occurrence of certain cancers (especially breast cancer) that are triggered by hormones, essentially thanks to the conversion of flax lignan compounds into estrogen-type molecules.

Rich in soluble fiber, flax seeds are recommended to avoid constipation.

Linseed has antioxidant properties: this makes it particularly relevant for persons who hope to lose weight. Omega-3 compounds contained in these small seeds act like fat burners and also induce a natural laxative activity.

These benefits are also useful to offset anxiety.

Flaxseed helps women cope and bear with several specific disorders that occur when the menopause sets in, particularly the sensation of heat.

Note also that regular ingestion of flaxseed helps reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, it actually lessens cravings for sweets.

When the oil extracted from the seeds is used, flaxseed can support hair and nail health and speed the healing of cutaneous disorders.

Ways to use flaxseed, dosages and directions for use

If you must only remember a single thing, be it the following: crush and grind flaxseed before eating them.

If not, all their benefits will stay locked in that hull and won’t spread to the body.

Once ground, the seeds can be ingested 2 to 3 times a day, with a lot of water, before meals. As regards dosage, one table spoon is enough.

It’s also a great idea to add ground flaxseed to your soup, mixed salads, baked dishes and even your home-made pastries.

Flaxseed oil, which contains more or less ¼ oz (7 g) alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) per ½ fl.oz. (15 ml) table spoon, can be ingested once or twice a day.

Flaxseed is also available in capsule form.

Good to know about flaxseed

Flaxseed shouldn’t be eaten when yet unripe. Indeed, they may demonstrate poisonous activity.

It is strongly encouraged to respect prescribed doses. Ingesting extremely high quantities of flaxseed may, for some body types, trigger hemorrhage because of the anticoagulant properties of omega-3 fatty acids. That’s why increasing daily doses isn’t a recommended practice.

Moreover, because of possible interactions with certain prescription drugs, it is highly recommended to check with your consulting physician before adding flaxseed to your diet on a regular basis.

Once ground, flaxseed powder must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 5 days at most.