How to Enjoy the Benefits of Flax

There are several health benefits to adding flax to your diet and it's so easy to add it daily. I started consuming flax about four months ago and have found myself adding it to my diet more because I enjoy it and not so much because of all the health benefits it has. Flax is actually a plant which is grown for its seeds and fibers. The seeds offer a high content of dietary fiber, lignans and they also contain Omega-3 and Omega6 fatty acids. First I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I think we've probably all heard of the health benefits from a diet high in Omega-3, however you're probably not aware that there are different kinds. Most products on the market contain Omega-3 (ALA) which contains mainly higher plant oils and are considered less efficient than Omega-3 EPA or DHA. This does not mean that there is no benefit, it just means your body will have to work at converting it to DHA so it's not as great if you were getting it straight from the source. However, the other benefits of flax is lignans which is a phyto-nutrient that acts as antioxidants which help to support the immune system, also promoting hormonal health, increase energy and reduce constipation while promoting digestive health. As for the dietary fiber, I think we all pretty much know the benefits of fiber. One of the greatest benefits I have discovered is great news for women suffering from daily bouts of night sweats associated with menopause. Since taking flax seeds I have had an enormous decrease in the number of times I suffer with the sweats.

These days you can purchase ground or whole flax seeds at just about any local market. You may find a few varieties at larger supermarkets or visit your local health food store. My favorite, which I purchase at the health food store is Barlean's 100% Organic Forti-Flax as this is a coarsely ground seed with allows you to get more of the strong nutty flavor. It is stored in a dark black container to help keep it fresh. You'll want to store your flax seeds in the refrigerator, but this container will stay in a cool dark place. It is best to store cold as you don't want the seeds to spoil as they will turn rancid. I happen to prefer this to ground because I like the crunchy nut taste and it goes great on a salad, mixed in with your yogurt or sprinkled on a sandwich. I also toss a heaping tablespoon into a fruit smoothie and the blender helps to grind it up.

Since adding flax seeds almost daily to my diet I feel more energized, healthier and the extra fiber keeps everything regular. Whether you go with the ground or prefer, such as I, the seeds, I think you'll realize it's pretty easy to add this on a regular basis in a form that' easy to digest. My favorite recipe for a smoothie is to blend a bottle of pro-biotic drink such as Dannon Strawberry flavor, an equal amount of milk, frozen strawberries (for more of a milkshake in the evening, or frozen mixed fruit for breakfast, one whole banana, a heaping tablespoon of the flax seeds and for good measure and for an extra filling benefit in your dieting, a tablespoon of psyllium powder which is a great addition for your morning smoothie.