What are the benefits of flaxseed and how can I incorporate it into my diet?

Hi!
In order for your body to absorb the health benefits of flaxseeds they need to be ground, you can do this yourself with a small coffee grinder when you want them or you can buy pre-ground flaxseeds, but these must be stored in the fridge. Ground flaxseeds contain the omega 3 fat, called alpha linolenic acid (ALA), it is a pre-cursor to EPA (fish oils). The benefits are anti-inflammatory, control high blood pressure, cholesterol lowering and is high in beneficial fibre. Flaxseeds also contain lignans, which is very beneficial for women’s health, in particular protective against reproductive cancers. They are also rich in magnesium, vitamin B1, tryptophan and manganese.
Whole flaxseeds are hard to break down in the digestive system, so they are best soaked overnight in hot water to create a mucilage consistency and swallowed in the morning followed by a cup of water. Soaked whole flaxseeds is more for helping constipation, as you can imagine the mucilage pushing through your digestive tract.
My favourite is to add ground flaxseeds to plain natural yoghurt with cinnamon and fruit. Or it can be sprinkled on porridge, healthy cereals, soups, added to homemade breads.
I hope this helps!
Marianna
Nutritional Therapist
http://www.livepurenutrition.com

Hello,
We would recommend the Flax Seed Oil manufactured by Nature's Sunshine who are the Rolls Royce in terms of quality, purity and potency. Flax seed oil is for the Circulatory and Immune systems. Flax Seed Oil is a rich source of these EFAs. It also contains lignans and linoleic acid, another essential fatty acid. These two fatty acids are termed ‘essential’ because the body cannot manufacture them. Until recently, experts believed the best sources of omega-3 were fish oils. While fish oils are a good source, flax seed oil contains twice as much omega-3 essential fatty acids as fish oil products, without the fishy aftertaste.. Each concentrated softgel capsule contains 550mg omega-3 essential fatty acids. This can be taken after a meal. Its very easy to take and no need to soak in water as the capsules containing the flax seed will dissolve at the appropriate part of the digestive system.
Hope this helps and to purchase or have a browse through our website these just click on the following link:
http://www.naturessunshine.eu/uk/athenaholistics/index.asp?act=moreinfo&id=101&subcat=