We all have heard of flax seeds, but not all of us understand the health benefits that can provide our bodies. Flax seeds contain high levels of fiber and omega fatty acids that can help prevent and treat many healthy conditions naturally and effectively. However, flax seeds have to be prepared and used properly in order to get the right health benefits you are looking for from them.
Appearance, Texture and Flavor of Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are typically deep brown in color, but can have a lightly buttery yellow color to them as well. The seeds are very small in size with an oval like shape. Flax seeds are smooth in texture and have a slightly nutty flavor to them, but in my opinion don’t have a taste at all.
Home of the Flax Seeds and Harvesting
Flax seeds are native to the Mediterranean, but are also grown in North America as well. The flax seeds actually come from the flax plants, which are tall and green and resemble long grass. Flax plants are harvested by hand by pulling mature plants up by the roots and than allowing them to dry in a warm place where the air moves freely. After the plants have dried the flax seeds are removed by placing the tops of the flax plants into a fabric like bag and pounded with a wooden malt to help break the pods the seeds are in open. Once the pods are broken the bag is shaken and the seeds fall into it and the flax plants are removed. After, the flax seeds are used to make oils and ground flax seed meal, or left whole to be eaten as they are.
Nutrients in the Seeds
Fiber
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
B Vitamins
Copper
Phosphorous
Manganese
Magnesium
Phytochemicals
Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are definitely a nutritious food you want to add to your daily diet because they can help keep cholesterol levels low, maintain proper blood sugar levels, keep the digestive tract healthy and flowing properly, reduce inflammation, and can help keep you in a positive mood due to all the B vitamins they contain. The nutrients in flax seeds can even prevent certain types of cancers such as breast, lung and prostate. Heck, flax seeds can even help treat diseases like diabetes, heat disease, respiratory diseases and autoimmune disease. However, in order to get the proper nutrients and healthy benefits you are looking for from flax seeds you have to know what form is right for you. Flax seed oil is better for treating inflammations in the body naturally because it is absorbed better by the body. Ground or whole flax seeds are excellent for relieving constipation and removing toxins from the digestive tract. I personally take a tablespoon of flax seed oil each day to help treat my asthma and I have to say I have less asthma attacks when I am taking it because it is able to bring down inflammation in my respiratory tract naturally and effectively. If you are looking to prevent cancers and treat disease flax seed oil or ground flax seed is the way to go because the nutrients from these forms can easily be absorbed in the body properly to help fight off the free radical cells that cause illnesses.
Precautions to take with Flax Seeds
Consuming high amounts of flax seeds or the oil can causes frequent bowl movements, upset stomach and hormonal changes. Otherwise, flax seeds are safe and nutritious to the body.