Focus on Flax

By: Wendy A Belanger

 

You've heard fish is good for you. A primary reason is that fish is high in omega- 3 fatty acids. And yet flaxseed has the highest concentration of omega -3 fatty acids in all of nature! 

*Flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed) is digestible; whole flaxseed is not.

*The chemical compounds in flaxseed may block the body's synthesis of carcinogens and decrease bad cholesterol levels.

*Omega-3 fatty acids could be a potential weapon against asthma, arthritis, and psoriasis.

*Mounting evidence indicates that modest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids help ward off heart attacks, such autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, and severe menstrual cramps.

*Omega-3 fatty acids deficiencies may be the cause of some major mental illnesses.

*Ground flaxseed is rich in lignan, which has been shown in lab tests to shrink existing breast and colon cancer tumors and stop new ones from forming.

In summary, its good for your head, your heart, your skim, your joints and more.

Recommended amounts: 1-2 Tablespoons sprinkled on your morning cereal. Start with 1 teaspoon and increase a little every week.

Doctor Neal Nedley, nationally recognized for his work in depression recovery, highly recommends flax seed in your diet to help fight depression.