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| Flax Seed Flower |
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| Flax Seeds |
Flax seeds resemble sesame seeds but are darker in color. Flax seeds come from a plant that produces beautiful bluish flowers. The plants are native to Egypt and have been around for thousands of years. There is evidence that the Romans used flax seed in the first century A.D. Whole, flax seeds will not provide much benefit for you so they have to be ground. Once ground, flax seeds can be added to a salad, cereal, or a smoothie. It is recommended that a person take 2 tbsps. of ground flax seed for every 100 pounds that he weighs.
High Fiber
Flax seed is filled with fiber, which is beneficial in many ways. People that take flax seed powder find that they feel full longer, especially when it is taken with a meal. The fiber properties also make flax seed powder a good laxative. Once laxatives take effect and elimination occurs it aids in weight loss.
Lecithin
Flax seed powder is also full of lecithin. Lecithin breaks up the fat that your food has left in the digestive tract. These are unwanted fats that are trapped in your body until the lecithin helps get rid of them so they do not turn into body fat.
Vitamins
Flax seed is filled with protein, B vitamins, zinc, potassium, magnesium and essential fatty acids. This is important because the only way to get good fats in your body is through an outside dietary source as the body does not create good fats on its own. Flax seed powder also is the best way to get phytoestrogens, which have properties that fend off bacteria, tumors, viral infections and funguses. Flax seed powder is an unmatched antioxidant.
Health Benefits
According to Bio Nature, flax seed powder has been shown to help cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol and prevent blood clots that could cause heart attacks and strokes. Flax seed powder also reduces inflammation in the body, improves the immune system and helps asthma sufferers.
Other Benefits
Flax seed powder relieves ulcers, irritable bowel and helps colon health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is important for a shorter recovery period for bruises, sprains and muscle related injuries. Flax seed powder has been known to help some people relieve depression and can help some women with menopausal symptoms.
By Cheryl Hinneburg, eHow Contributor
