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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Flax Seed Benefits

flax seeds
Recently I blogged about the benefits of protein and a high protein diet, and I recommended flax seeds as a healthy and protein-filled alternative snack.  I love flax seeds, and I am always singing their praises so I thought it might be good to talk about the benefits of flax seeds in a healthy diet plan. 
Flax seeds are tasty, and they certainly can fill you up so they do make a good snack.  But who would have thought that so many health benefits can be derived from these tiny seeds? The flax seed is high in Omega-3s, particularly alpha linolenic acid, which have been behind all the recent press that flax seeds have received that position them as somewhat of a miracle food.

Many studies have shown that flax seeds can lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.  Flax seed may also help to lower blood pressure and blood triglycerides.  In other words, eating flax seed (or taking a supplement containing flax seed) might reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  Flax seed is also a rich source of lignin, which is an antioxidant that may help to prevent cancers, particularly breast cancer.  Flax seed is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, protein, Vitamin E, and potassium.

Other than eating flax seeds as a snack, you can work flax seeds into your menu by sprinkling it on your cereal, yogurt, or salad. Flax seeds have a mild, nutty flavor that goes well with oatmeal or other hot cereals.  You can also substitute flax seed for eggs when you are baking in some recipes (although I've never personally tried this).  One teaspoon of milled flax seed combined with three tablespoons of water is the equivalent of one egg.  You can also add flax seeds to your favorite smoothie.  Keep in mind that flax seed, like all nuts and seeds, is dense with calories.  Just one tablespoon contains about 50 calories, 3.5 grams of fiber, and 2.5 grams of protein. But, the health benefits are really worth it.

Enjoy!
Juliet

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