Planting the seeds for healthy living

In health research, the interest is swelling and the excitement is growing over flaxseeds, an extraordinarily nutritious food. While its benefits are not completely understood, some researchers have gone so far as to deem flaxseed, one of the most potent natural sources of nutrients- an antioxidant powerhouse. Best of all, its nutty flavor is pleasing to the taste buds.
As quoted from a recent Wellness Letter from the University of California at Berkeley, “essential fatty acids are important for cell membranes, blood pressure regulation, and other functions…like aspirin, omega-3s may reduce blood clotting, thus lessening the chance of a fatal heart attack.”1
What’s in flaxseeds that make the tasty grain so heart healthy? Flaxseeds are a high protein plant and a generous supplier of soluble and insoluble fiber. Scientific studies have indicated that eating flaxseed can lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure- two prevalent risk factors for heart disease.2 Flaxseed is also the best source of alpha linolenic acids, a class of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have gained popularity for their disease-fighting abilities.
Flaxseeds also contain the class of fiber called lignans, which are converted by bacteria into estrogen-like substances thought to have anti-tumor properties. Studies at Duke University Medical Center found that flaxseed is the richest source of these fibers, and they limit the ability of testosterone to help retard the growth of prostate tumors and breast cancer. The insoluble fiber in flax is also helpful for bowel regulation and prevention of constipation. This type of fiber promotes regularity by moving the stool through the colon more quickly.
This is an important breakthrough in disease prevention, since fiber removes toxic materials from the gastrointestinal tract and restores regularity, among other health benefits.
The use of flaxseed for nutritional and healing purposes is not a new concept. The yellowish-brownish crop was toted in Egyptian medicine bags, was used in the ancient Babylonian days, and Hippocrates even made the connection between the seeds and the treatment of gastrointestinal discomforts.
Is it really a surprise that flaxseed, along with nuts, legumes, and other seeds is so healthy? Not really. Vegetables, nuts, and seeds has been tied to good health for quite some time. “One of the main factors in living a long life is eating right,” said Dr. Robert Kelly, a professor of Principles of Health at Southern University. “Proper dieting, which includes an adequate amount of vegetables and fruits in the diet slow the aging process.