Flax Seed
Flax seed is a highly beneficial natural supplement, suitable for everyone whether they are dieting to lose weight or exercising to tone their muscles. It helps prevent disease, strengthen the immune system and assists in recovery from illness. It’s not a diet pill but rather actual seeds harvested from the flax seed plant. Nutty-flavored flax seed is delicious eaten as is, sprinkled on salads, cereal and yogurt, but flax seed can also be taken in pill supplement format after extraction of the ‘good’ oils from the seeds.
When eaten raw, flax seed contains optimum levels of dietary fiber which is essential for weight loss. The fiber creates a feeling of fullness so we eat less food and less often, and it helps regulate our bowel movements. Flax seed also picks up carcinogens and cholesterol as they pass through the intestines, safely eliminating those toxic substances from our bodies.
Besides the fiber benefits of flax seed, the flax seed itself contains good Omega-3 fat oil, considered essential for superior health, immune strength and disease prevention. Research indicates flax seed may also stabilize and balance blood sugar, possibly preventing diabetes.
Linum usitatissimum, also known as common flax or linseed, is a plant found growing from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, and has been cultivated since ancient times for various uses including fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap, and is also valued as an ornamental flower in cottage gardens.
When purchasing food-grade flax seed it is vital to buy organic, pesticide-free, non-genetically-modified (GMO) flax seed processed using the mild cold-mill method. Heat, light and oxygen damage the many wholesome properties of the delicate micronutrients found in flax seed.
