What Are The Health Benefits of Using Certified Organic Flaxseed?

There are four main benefits derived from using flaxseed, which include the following:

• Flaxseed has a high content of alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3), an essential fatty acid that is not produced by our bodies and must be acquired through the foods we eat.  Omega-3 protects against coronary heart disease and stroke by thinning the blood and lowering cholesteral.  Omega-3 has also been known to protect against hypertension, cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, depression, and skin disorders.  It assists in boosting metabolism (which helps with weight loss).
• Flaxseed provides the hightest plant source of lignans.  Lignans help protect against certain types of cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.  Research suggests that lignans may block the action of substances that can contribute to the formation of tumors.
• Flaxseed is an economical source of soluble and insoluble fibre.  Soluble fiber can lower blood cholesterol levels.  Insoluble fibre is helpful for regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation.
• Our bodies cannot manufacture the Essential Fatty Acids, Linolenic (Omega-6) or Linolenic (Omega-3) from other elements.  They must be supplied from daily intake.

How Do I Use Flaxseed?

The most important thing to remember is that unmilled flaxseed is not digestible.  While whole seeds are a good source of fiber and provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor in cereals, breads, muffins, etc., the flaxseed must be milled or the oil extracted in order to gain the greatest health benefit.

Flaxseed oil can be taken straight from a tablespoon, but it is even better used in salad dressings, dips, protein or green drinks, and even desserts.  DO NOT USE THIS OIL FOR FRYING.  High heat destroys the molecular structure of the oil and it will lose its health benefits, becoming toxic.

Use milled flaxseed in your cookies, muffins, pancakes, and breads.  It can be used in baking as a healthy substitute for eggs (1 tbsp. oil plus 3 tbsp. water equals one egg), or a replacement for margerine or other oils, at a ratio of 3:1 (3 tbsp. flaxseed for every tbsp. of fat called for).  It can also be used in place of flour, 1/4 c. flaxseed instead of flour, to incorporate wholesome goodness.

• Remember, whole seeds will not give you the benefits of the Omega-3 or lignans.
• Recommended Daily Requirement is one to three tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day or 50 g. (1/4 c.) of milled flaxseed.
• Gold flaxseed has a bit more fiber and mucilage than brown, but is not as readily available.  It is recommended using the seeds within a year, but the milled and flaxseed oil will eventually turn rancid if exposed to light and air.  Use within 6 - 8 weeks of opening.

100 Grams of Milled Flaxseed Contains:
                 

   Food Energy........................................................................................ 107 cal.

Fat.................................................................................................... 41.0 g

Total Dietary Fibre................................................................................ 28.0 g

Protein............................................................................................... 21.0 g

(Courtesy of Flax Council of Canada)