The Benefits of Flax Seed

Did you know that flax seed is a good source of nutrients?

Flax seed contains protein and essential amino acids, fat and essential fatty acids and minerals like phosphorus. Most importantly flax seed is a great source of dietary fiber.

Another benefit of flax seed is that it is an important source of omega-3 fatty acid for vegetarians. This is important especially if you are the type of vegetarian who doesn't eat eggs. Flax seed is also gluten-free and considered safe for people with a gluten allergy.

Did you know that if you suffer from hot flushes (a symptom of menopause) you can reduce them by regularly consuming flax seed?

Flax seed is also known to improve the good kind of cholesterol (HDL) and decrease

Triglycerides, platelet activity and blood pressure. In other words, flax seed can be very beneficial to your heart.

If you have arthritis and suffer from stiffness in the morning, a little flax seed added to your diet each day will help increase your mobility.

Flax seed is also known to fight against carcinogens and reduce cell-damaging free radicals which may in turn help prevent cancer. As I said earlier, flax seed is a good source of dietary fibre. Its high insoluble fiber content will add bulk to your stools and is a great laxative which will help to prevent both constipation and diverticulitis.

To stay healthy all you need is approximately two tablespoons of flax seed each day. You will find that flax seed has a pleasant nut-like flavor and it blends well with many foods.

Following are some of my favorite ways to incorporate flax seed into my diet.

*Powdered flax seed can be used as a salad dressing when blended with mayonnaise and vinegar.

*Use flax seed oil whenever you need oil for cooking.

*Flax seed flour can be blended with bread dough or used in pancakes, waffles, and muffins.

*Sprinkle powdered flax seed on steamed rice along with a little healthy margarine.

*Toss some flax seeds on the top of cold or hot breakfast cereals.