Flax seed is one-third oil, the remainder consisting of fiber, protein and mucilage. Flax seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids - it contains alpha linolenic acid, omega 3 essential fatty acid, and omega 6 essential fatty acid, and flax seed oil contains these 3 EFA's in just the right proportions. Flax seeds are also a great source of lignans, vitamins, and minerals. North Americans are usually lacking omega 3 EFA in their diet, and the oil contained in freshly ground flax seed is an excellent supplement for this. The cells of the body need the omega 3 fatty acids from which they build their cell membranes, which protect them. The brain is largely composed of fats called phospholipids, which are made from essential fatty acids. Thus these oils are essential for the function and structure of the brain and improve cognition, memory, moods and concentration.
The high content of omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed oil is but one of its positive attributes. The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. The essential fatty acids common to flax seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, and are important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions.
The fiber in flax acts as a broom sweeping the colon of toxic material, metabolic waste and dried mucus. Flax fiber is an excellent food for friendly bacteria in the intestine which keeps disease-causing organisms in check. Flax seeds take up water, they are able to absorb 10 times their volume in water. Therefore, make sure when you eat them you are getting some liquids too, too dry through your system could cause trouble.
Flax seed contains lignans that have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds have the richest source of lignans, 100 times more than the next best source, wheat bran. The majority of lignans is found in the seed, giving it an advantage over flax oil. Flax seed also contains lecithin which emulsifies fat and cholesterol. Flax seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular health.
Naturally occurring compounds called phytoestrogens, work to lower levels of circulating estrogens linked to breast cancer. Flaxseeds are especially high in one such phytoestrogen, lignan, which is thought to inhibit estrogen production. Flax seed oil is also well known to prevent prostate cancer, in spite of some conflicting studies.
If you want to use flax seed oil, use cold-pressed, unprocessed oil. With processed and heated oil, the high temperature that the oil is exposed to dramatically changes its structure. One thing about flax seed oil, make sure it tastes good! If it tastes sharp or not so great DON"T eat it. Take it back to the store and tell them it is bad. The not yummy taste tells you there is rancidity in the fat. Consuming rancid fats is very unhealthy.
All seeds contain enzyme inhibitors. Therefore it is good to soak flax seeds in water for at least a day, as this breaks down the inhibitors and releases the enzymes.

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