Flax( Linum Usitatissimum)
Flax seeds have Alpha Linolenic acid and lignans.
Flax is available as whole seeds, ground seeds and flax oil.
The benefits of using Flax seeds in diet are many.
Ideally, you can grind flax seed in a coffee grinder just before using it.
However to save time I use ground flax seed with added B vitamins to my smoothies.
It is available in my office for purchase at a very nominal cost of $9 for a big jar.
Refrigerate flax once can is opened.
Flax protects against metabolic syndrome, prevents constipation, is used in cancer prevention by protecting against DNA damage, reduce inflammation, and inhibiting new blood vessel formation.
In a study reported in American Journal of Clinical nutrition, post menopausal women supplemented with 25 gems of flax for 16 weeks saw a significant increase in conversion of estrogen to 2 – hydroxyl estrogen, a weak form of estrogen that decreases breast cancer risk.
It can also help reduce blood sugar. it helps reduce Insulin resistance.
For patients with Proteinuria or microalbuminuria, flax seed consumption was related to reduction in Proteinuria (spilling of protein in urine as they breakdown.)
A tbsp of Flax provides dietary fiber, Manganese, thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, omega 3 fatty acids.
I have used lot of references to give you this information.
Nalini Dave MD
