The Power of Flaxseeds

If you are looking for a great source of healthy fat, fiber and antioxidants, take a look at flaxseeds. These little seeds are easy to use, have an appetite-satisfying flavor and some big benefits. Flaxseeds are a great source of the omega-3 fats necessary for optimum nutrition. They might even help you lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. And, with a great nutty taste, ground flaxseeds make a wonderful addition to a healthy recipe. Making fresh and delicious homemade granola or a super smoothie is easier than you think. Or, you can just sprinkle some flaxseeds on your favorite dishes for a quick boost of nutrition, as we indicate below.

As one of the world’s leading authorities on nutritional medicine, Dr. Galland has long championed the benefits of flaxseeds in his lectures, books and interviews.

Studies indicate the powerful nutritional benefits of flaxseeds for general health, as well as weight loss and diabetes prevention.That’s why we included lots of delicious recipes featuring flaxseeds, such as Omega Blast Granola, Blueberry Flax Pancakes and Carrot Raisin Muffins in our book The Fat Resistance Diet.

Seeds of Nutrition
Flaxseeds pack a lot of nutrition inside their hard external shell. That’s why we recommend grinding them fresh. Flaxseeds have potent antioxidants call lignans that can help reduce inflammation. They are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid, a beneficial omega-3 fat. And flaxseeds have fiber.

Exciting research indicates that eating flaxseeds might contribute to substantial benefits such as lowered cholesterol, (including LDL-cholesterol), and lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, an important measurement for inflammation. Flaxseeds have been shown to help slow the absorption of sugar from a meal. And for women, flaxseeds can help balance hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone, decreasing cramps.

Simple Solution
Enjoying flaxseeds is a snap, simply find them, then grind them. Finding them is getting easier all the time with natural sections springing up in supermarkets. Try to get organic flaxseeds, because oils can concentrate pesticides. When grinding, remember safety first. You can grind flaxseeds in a clean coffee grinder when ready to use, so they are fresh ground each time.

Toss about one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds:
• Into oatmeal.
• Over breakfast cereal.
• Into smoothies.
• Into yogurts.
• Over salads.

Once you get the hang of using flaxseeds, it becomes a healthy part of your routine.

Get a free, one-day meal plan with healthy recipes www.fatresistancediet.com.

By Leo Galland M.D. and Jonathan Galland
By Leo Galland M.D. and Jonathan Galland

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Chris R.

3:18PM PST on Nov 8, 2011

Thanks!~

send a green star

Philippa P.

4:03PM PDT on Aug 29, 2010

I'm going to get a grinder specifically for flax seeds.

Heather B.

5:02PM PDT on Mar 16, 2010

Informative article; thanks.

Rob G.

11:14PM PDT on Sep 16, 2008

The use oe flaxseeds in oatmeal or yogurt (especially homade) can be beneficial for everyone here. I've been doing it for almost 2 years now and I've been happily surprised by losing some weight, but more for lowering my liver enzyme count. My blood pressure has gone down by 15 points and cholesterol is now about 45 points lower.
The Presto-Pesto not only has a wonderful taste, but is also healthy for rhe body....what more couls a person ask for?

Rebecca H.

9:25AM PDT on Jun 9, 2008

I have had about 7 pounds of flax seed in my freezer for a year (it was given to me). I'm using it a tablespoon at a time and not making much of a dent in it. Is it still good? Are there are good ways to use larger quantities at a time? At what point should I give what's left to the birds?

Jane D.

7:30AM PDT on Jun 2, 2008

are the flax seed oil tablets o.k to take?can i just open one and pour on food? I have a whole bottle,now I confused.

Tamar K.

3:13AM PDT on Jun 2, 2008

What happens to the nutrients after cooking/baking?

Zane B.

6:56AM PDT on May 22, 2008

I have been using sprouted flax seed powder for a couple of years and it is FAR better than flax seeds or milled flax.

Josh F.

8:21PM PDT on May 21, 2008

1 tablespoon of finely ground flaxseed mixed with 1/4 cup of water is a great egg substitute in baked dishes that don't need to rise much. (muffins, cookies, cakes, breakfast bars) The flaxseed gels the ingredients together the same way an egg would, and it is much more nutritious (and gentler on the stomach).