Flax can be good for your body, but it’s laxative properties may have put you off trying it. You mustn’t try flax without medical advice, but if you’ve been scared off it without knowing what it actually does to the body, you and your body might be missing out on its benefits. Read on and find out if flax might be the health supplement you’ve been looking for.

Flax’s major benefit to you is Omega-3 fatty acid ALA. alpha-linolenic acid is not naturally occurring in the body, but functions in so many ways it is imperative you have a source for it. It’s important in improving performance in behavior, memory and brain function. It also suppresses possibility of inflammation, arthritis, heart disease, and others. The other fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can also be made by the body from ALA. This fatty acid works best in the body in proper proportion to Omega-6, 3 parts Omega-3 to 1 Omega-6.

Lignans, which are highly concentrated in flax, help reduce risks for diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Lignans may also help in reducing risk of osteoporosis, and are know to be antioxidants. We know this because lignans from organic flax seed, when consumed by bacteria, are transformed into biologically active lignans enterodiol and enterolactione.

Because of lignan, flax is a great source of fiber. However, its high fiber content can have adverse effects, so it can’t be used indiscriminately. If you’re introducing flax to your diet, start slowly and use greater amounts when you’ve become used to it. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Lastly, note that oral medications may be affected by flax, so consult your doctor before you start consuming it.

You can eat flax in solid or oil form, but you have to be mindful how you store it to avoid oxidation. Flaxseed can be ground and put directly on food, but can’t be kept in the air too long. Keep all flaxmeal stored airtight and away from light. It’s best to buy milled flaxseed, which will not oxidize when unused, and put it through a coffee grinder when you’re ready to eat it. Flaxseed oil will oxidize even quicker, so it needs to go to the refrigerator. But consider that flaxseed oil does not retain lignans.

Lastly, you’ll want to decide on the kind of flax you’re going to eat. Many varieties of flax are now available for purchase; the most popular being the brown flax and golden flax varieties. What makes golden flax preferable is that it was bred specifically for human consumption, so given the choice when you buy flax seed, pick golden flax.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!