subject: What Are the Benefits and Uses of Flax Seeds [print this page] The list of benefits of flax seeds is long and though not necessarily a staple food in American homes, flax seeds have recently become quite popular. This is mostly due to the awesome characteristics of flax seeds. Suffice it to say that the flax seeds are one of nature's finest and their reputation of being packed with goodness is undoubtedly well-earned.
Flax seeds come from the flax plant and is native to the region extending from India to the Middle East. They can be found in pasta, oatmeal, crackers, whole grain breads, meatless meal products, and some cereals. They can be purchased whole, ground or as an oil. More than anything though, flax seeds have recently been increasingly gaining notoriety for their many health benefits. For starters, they control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Flax seeds also promote bone health, reduce some menopausal symptoms, and have anti-inflammatory benefits. They help regulate fat metabolism, hormones, and central nervous systems. They help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Flax seed have 75 times more lignan, which is well known for its ability to shrink and halt the growth of existing breast and colon cancer tumors. Finally, they are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid and fiber. These seeds are, hands down, a showstopper and we haven't even gotten to their myriad of uses.
Flax seeds have a variety of uses. Because of their nutty taste flax seeds are often used as a flavor enhancer. In baked goods their used as an egg substitute, for added texture and as a replacement for flour. Flaxseed oil may be used as a salad dressing in place of olive oil. If that's not enough, flax seeds can also be added to beverages, sprinkled on salads and cereal, and cooked with vegetables.
In essence, the best way to sum it all up is that flax seeds are an all natural, rich, raw source of nutrients, with a long list of health benefits. These are all attributes that more than excite most so if you haven't already, why not give it a try? Sprinkle some into your next smoothie or add some to the next batch of cookies that you bake. After all, the odds of satisfaction are positively in your favor with this gem.
