-
FLAX
SEED - FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION
We
are presently importing FLAX SEEDS and making
it available to Indian consumers for the benefits mentioned
here.
The
product is to be marketed to diabetic people and in
general health stores . We also sell cold pressed flax
seed oil refrigerated in 250 ml bottles. Other products
in this range are FLAX SEED MEAL.
Flax
oil and flax seeds are being rediscovered as true health
foods. They definitely merit being included on any top-ten
list of foods that are good for you. Flax is not a new
food. It is actually one of the older and, perhaps,
one of the original "health foods," treasured
because of its healing properties throughout the Roman
empire.
The
flax plant, an ancient crop, yields the fiber from which
linen is woven, as well as seeds and oil.
The
oil, also called linseed oil, has many industrial uses.
Flaxseed
oil also comes in an edible form, sold mostly at health-food
stores. Like
olive, canola, and most other plant oils, it is highly
unsaturated and heart-healthy. And
flaxseeds have yet another very interesting component—lignans—which
may have anti-cancer properties.
The
heart-healthy side of flax
Besides lignans, flaxseeds and their oil
are also the best food sources of an essential fatty
acid, alpha-linolenic acid.
Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3, similar to some
of the fatty acids in fish oil. Like aspirin, omega-3s
may reduce blood clotting, thus lessening the chance
of a fatal heart attack. Flaxseeds and their oil may
also lower total blood cholesterol, as well as LDL ("bad")
cholesterol.
Several population studies have linked a high intake
of alpha-linolenic acid with a reduced risk of heart
disease and/or death from heart disease. Besides flaxseeds
and canola oil, alpha-linolenic acid is also found in
soybean oil and walnuts.Because of the flurry of scientific
studies validating the health benefits of omega 3 fatty
acids, flax oil has graduated from the refrigerator
of "health food nuts" to a status of scientific
respectability.
Flax seeds contain a high quality protein.
Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber. The combination
of the oil and the fiber makes flaxseeds an ideal laxative.
Flax seeds contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E, and carotene.
These seeds also contain iron, zinc, and trace amounts
of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin
E and carotene, two nutrients which aid the metabolism
of the oil.
Flax seeds contain over a hundred times more of a phytonutrient,
known as lignin, than any of its closest competitors,
such as wheat bran, buckwheat, rye, millet, oats, and
soybeans. Lignins have received a lot of attention lately
because of possible anti-cancer properties, especially
in relation to breast and colon cancer. Lignins seem
to flush excess estrogen out of the body, thereby reducing
the incidence of estrogen-linked cancers, such as breast
cancer. Besides anti-tumor properties, lignins also
seem to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral
properties.
Flax seeds, because they contain some protein, fiber,
vitamins and minerals, and lignins, are more nutritious
than their oil. Yet, for practical purposes, most consumers
prefer simply using the oil for its omega-3 fatty acids
and not having to bother with grinding the seeds. But
nutritionally speaking, it's worth the trouble to grind
fresh flax seeds (say, in a coffee grinder) and sprinkle
them as a seasoning on salads or cereals, or mix them
into muffins. When buying seeds, be sure they are whole,
not split; splitting exposes the inner seed to light
and heat and decreases the nutritional value. Or, buy
pre-ground flax seeds, available as flaxseed meal. One
ounce of flaxseed meal (approximately 4 tbsp.) will
yield about 6 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber.
Do Not leave home in the morning without having daily
tablespoon of flax oil or 2 tablespoons of flaxseed
meal. Besides being the best source of omega 3's, flax
oil is a good source of omega 6, or linoleic acid (LA).
Sunflower, safflower, and sesame oil are greater sources
of omega 6 fatty acids but they don't contain any omega-3
fatty acids. Flax oil is 45 to 60 percent the omega-3
fatty acid alphalinolenic acid (ALA).
In addition to nutritious fats, flax seeds contain other
nutrients which make eating the whole seed superior
to consuming just the extracted oil:
Good food --- How to consume
it ??
Flaxseeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and
taste good sprinkled on salads, cooked vegetables, or
cereals. The oil is quite tasty, too, though expensive.
Here are some flax tips:
-
Grind the seeds or else chew them very well—whole
seeds simply pass through the body. Grinding the seeds
just before using them best preserves flavor and nutrition,
but pre-ground seeds are more convenient. Keep them
refrigerated. There are no nutritional differences
between brown and yellow seeds.
- Combine
flaxseed flour with wheat flour for breads, quickbreads,
and pancakes.
- Ready-made
flaxseed breads, muffins, cereals, and breakfast bars
can be found in many stores.
- The
oil spoils quickly; it comes in dark bottles to extend
its shelf life. Keep it refrigerated, and pay attention
to the expiration date. "Cold-pressed" flaxseed
oil is more expensive but no better than other kinds.
- Flaxseed
oil cannot be used for frying or sautéing.
- Pregnant
or lactating women should not eat lots of flax.
- A
few people may have allergic reactions to flaxseeds.
USING
FLAX OIL
Don't use flax oil for cooking. Oils high in
essential fatty acids are not good for cooking. In fact,
heat can turn these healthy fats into harmful ones. Add
flax oil to foods after cooking and just before serving.
Flax has many virtues, but it also has one vice: it turns
rancid quickly. Healthy fats spoil quickly, with olive
oil being an exception to the rule. (The fats with a long
shelf life are the hydrogenated shortenings, which of
course are bad for you.) To prevent spoilage, follow these
tips:
Purchase only refrigerated flax oil stored in black containers.
Keep your flax oil in the refrigerator with the lid on
tight. Minimize exposure to heat, light, and air.
Because the oil is likely to turn rancid within six weeks
of pressing, buy flax oil in smaller containers (8-12
ounces, depending on how fast you use it). In our family,
we go through approximately four tablespoons of flax oil
a day, using it mainly in our School-Ade smoothie.
Flax oil taken with a meal can actually increase the nutritional
value of other foods . Research shows that adding flax
oil to foods rich in sulfated amino acids, such as cultured
dairy products (i.e., yogurt), vegetables of the cabbage
family, and animal, seafood, and soy proteins helps the
essential fatty acids become incorporated into cell membranes.
Mixing flax oil with yogurt helps to emulsify the oil,
improving its digestion and metabolism by the body.
Flax oil works best in the body when it's taken along
with antioxidants, such as vitamins E, carotene, and other
nutrients, such as vitamin B6 and magnesium. While a tablespoon
of flax oil a day might not keep the doctor away entirely,
it's bound to help
Flax Seed Hero
1.Soak
1/3 lb. or more flax seeds in a bowl overnight. Make sure
all seeds are wetted.
2. After 12 hours, chop up a small white onion into small
bits then mix into the seeds.
3. Place fine nylon window screen mesh over your dehydrator
tray.
4. Using a spatula, spread the seeds on the screen and
shape into a flat long sub
shape. Make any size and more than one if desired.
5. Dehydrate until dry. If still moist inside, that's
ok - chewy is nice!
6. Hero filler: be creative. Try salsa made from chopped
tomato, celery, onion, cilantro, etc.
CONCLUSION
HEALTH-PROMOTING
PROPERTIES OF FLAX
Flax oil, flax seeds, and the omega-3 fatty acids they
contain are good for your health. Here are some of the
ways flax helps your body.
1.
Flax promotes cardiovascular health.
2.
Flax promotes colon health.
3.
Flax supplements can boost immunity.
4.
Flax provides fats that are precursors for brain building.
5.
Flax promotes healthy skin.
6.
Flax may lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing
blood-sugar levels.
7.
Flax fat can be slimming.
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