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HISTORY OF FLAX:
Flax is one of the most ancient of useful herbs. Its Latin name, Linum Usitatissimum, means "most useful." The usefulness of flax, to humankind predates earliest recorded history.
The Book of Exodus and the Talmud both mention the cultivation of flax. Ancient Egyptians grew flax along the Nile and wove linen fabrics for clothing, bed sheets, diapers, sails, even wrapping for mummies. |
SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION ON FLAX:
Flax seeds are the richest source of essential fatty acids (EFA) Linoleic (Omega-6) and Linolenic (Omega-3).
Flax helps build cell membranes and prostaglandins, hormone chemical transmitters in the body.
Omega-3 prostaglandins decrease blood pressure, water retention, cholesterol levels and platelet stickiness.
In years ago fresh pressed flax oil was delivered to doorsteps just like milk.
Years ago cancer and heart disease were very rare. In the 1900's 1 in 7 died of heart disease and 1 in 30 died of cancer. Today deficiencies or excess of fat are involved in 70% of deaths.
Fresh Flax Oil will drive cellulite out of the body and restore you energy level.
Flax seed contain lignans which are thought to be a cancer preventative high in fiber.
Women who have a diet high in lignans have less breast problems, no mater the nationality.
The oil must be fresh and cold pressed, its delicacy is why it's so rare in the diet.
Sometimes weeks or months may go by before any improvements become evident, so you may need to patient to see results.
Flax Seed is beneficial to promoting a general sense of wellbeing for the body to heal with natural sources, in may health areas as kidney disease, colon, prostrate and breast tenderness to mention a few.
Women’s Health Update!
There absolutely is something I would recommend to you and to all my readers—flax. It's a nutritional powerhouse that helps support heart health, promotes emotional well-being, restores moisture to skin, promotes hormone balance, prevents bone loss, aids weight-loss efforts, and so much more. Just 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil or 4-6 tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day is all you need to reap these benefits. That's because flax is super-food rich in essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens (known as lignans), fiber, and alkaline minerals.
There’s quite a lot to be said about flax. Here's an overview.
Essential Fatty Acids Are Essential to Health
Studies have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including
flaxseed, substantially lowers your risk of heart disease. Among other
things, omega-3 fats can help lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and
even blood pressure.
Flaxseed is also an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids. Your body
uses both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to create series 1 and 3
prostaglandins. These "good" prostaglandins help reduce menstrual cramps,
breast tenderness, bloating, and the effects of PMS. They also protect you
from inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Essential fatty acids (Eras) also provide moisture to your tissues. On
the outside, you'll notice that your skin will be more supple and your hair
shinier. And you'll be able to detect changes on the inside, too. Eras can
help restore moisture to the vaginal tissues and cushion your joints.
Phytoestrogens Restore Hormone Balance
Flax contains phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) in the form of flax
lignans, which have mild estrogenic properties. This can be particularly helpful for midlife women with estrogen dominance. The lignans help reduce estrogen production while promoting progesterone production, thus restoring hormone balance.
Interestingly, plant-based estrogens, like those found in flax, actually
mimic estrogen, so women with post-menopausal symptoms also find relief by
adding flax to their diet. But unlike synthetic estrogens, the lignans in
flax block the hormone's ability to bind to tissue receptors. This has been
shown to decrease your risk for some cancers, including breast and ovarian
cancer.
The Many Benefits of Fiber
Flax is also an excellent source of fiber, which promotes the excretion of
fats and other waste products from your body. This reduces the load on your
liver and helps your body excrete excess estrogen.
I’m sure you know that dietary fiber is necessary for healthy bowel
function, but did you know that it supports heart health at the same time?
Fiber reduces not only total cholesterol, but also LDL ("bad") cholesterol
by binding with bile and cholesterol in the intestines and speeding food
through your digestive tract.
Furthermore, fiber is an important element in any successful weight loss
program. Increasing dietary fiber, while lowering caloric intake, enhances
weight loss, calms food cravings, and decreases feelings of hunger. Fiber
also prevents spikes in blood sugar by slowing the release of carbohydrates
into the bloodstream. This helps keep energy levels consistently high.
Mighty Minerals
Ground flaxseed contains large amounts of alkaline minerals such as
calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. And since flax is also high in
phytoestrogens, it is a good source of nutrients that support bone health.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical
Association examined the effects of flaxseed consumption on postmenopausal
women who were not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Researchers
found that adding 38 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of ground flaxseed a day to
a woman's diet significantly reduced their rate of bone loss.
Plus, these same minerals can help to maintain the proper acid/alkaline
balance. If you've been with me for any amount of time, you know how
important this is. If you are out of balance and overly acidic you are more
likely to be fatigued, and have headaches, digestive problems, urinary tract
conditions, chronic illnesses, colds, and flu. So flax's benefits truly are
comprehensive.
My Flax Recommendations:
I recommend taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil or 4 to 6
tablespoons of ground flax every day as an easy way to support your health
on many levels.
Here’s to your health,
Susan M. Lark, MD
© 2003ndinnovations
