Ground Flax Seed Remedy

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals (health-promoting properties of active compounds in plants) and fiber. It is widely believed to offer a broad range of therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Ground flax seeds are probably more beneficial than whole ones, which can pass through the body undigested, according to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., of the Mayo Clinic.

Inflammatory Diseases

• Talk to your doctor about including flax seed in your diet if you suffer from one of the following conditions. Research on mice and human subjects indicates that flax seed can slow the progression of human breast, prostate and skin cancer, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It may also help to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy.

  Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid the body needs to produce hormones that support the immune system, blood clotting, cell growth and cell membranes, and reduce inflammation, Andrew Weill, M.D. reports. As a result, flaxseed may help to reduce asthma, coronary heart disease, lupis nephritis--a form of kidney disease--arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Menopause

• Women should consider flax seed to counter the effects of hormonal changes as they age. Various studies have shown that eating flax seed reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes and heavy bleeding, according to healthy.net.

Other Conditions

• Andrew Weil reports that people tend to get more omega 6 than omega 3. He cites Joseph Hibbein, M.D., a psychiatrist at the National Institutes of Health, who believes that an imbalance of the two in the body in favor of omega 6 can trigger obesity, depression, dyslexia, hyperactivity and even violent tendencies.

  Flax seed also prevents blood clots, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke, and controls high blood pressure generally and in men with high cholesterol.

  Its high fiber content helps prevent and address constipation. It can help regulate blood sugar, which helps control type-2 diabetes. It has been shown to prevent eye dryness, according to peoplespharmacy.com.
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Precautions

• Flax seed's high fiber content may cause minor stomach or intestinal irritation and may interfere with radiology procedures, warns Sloan-Kettering.