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Benefits of Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal

Flaxseed is increasing in popularity and becoming easier to find either sold by the bag or as in ingredient in other foods. This seed, often a component of whole grain crackers and breads, is full of valuable nutrients. By adding flaxseed meal to some of your favorite foods or choosing those foods made from it, you can benefit from the wide variety of ways flaxseed improves your overall health.

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • The omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed have been associated with reduced inflammation. This is a characteristic that has a positive influence on asthma, arthritis, migraines and osteoporosis. Patients at risk for heart attack and stroke can benefit from the influence these fatty acids have on reducing the formation of blood clots. In addition, they help to promote flexible cell membranes, which is beneficial to those with diabetes. The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are precursors to those found in fish oils. Flaxseed may be a good substitute for fish oil among those who choose not to eat fish or take fish oil supplements.

    Fiber

    • When flaxseed is ground into a meal or flour form it is considered a very good source of fiber. Fiber promotes gastrointestinal health. This aid in digestion helps foods to move through the gastrointestinal system reducing the time that colon cells are exposed to any cancer-causing chemicals. Fiber helps to reduce cholesterol decreasing risk of coronary heart disease. In addition it stabilizes blood sugar which is especially beneficial for those with diabetes.

    Magnesium

    • Flaxseed is a good source of magnesium which has been associated with asthma, heart attack, stroke and migraines. Magnesium helps to relax airways which can help reduce severity of asthma. It helps to reduce blood pressure which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke especially in patients who are already at risk. Its influence on blood vessels reducing spasms helps alleviate the attack of migraine headaches.

    Women's Health

    • It is becoming more and more evident that flaxseed can greatly benefit the reproductive health of women of all ages. Flaxseed contains lignans which are also found in other seeds, grains and legumes. These lignans are transformed in the gut to substances similar to hormones. In women of childbearing age, these substances help to promote normal ovulation. For those women suffering from peri-menopausal symptoms such as irregular cycles, breast cysts and anxiety, the transformed lignans help to restore hormone balance. For menopausal women these substances may protect against breast cancer due to their influence on estrogen.

    Choose Ground Flaxseed

    • Whole flaxseed adds texture to foods and a pleasant crunch, but when it comes to nutrition ground is a better choice. When the flaxseed is ground into a meal or flour its nutrients, such as the fatty acids and magnesium, are absorbed and utilized by the body. If you choose to buy whole flaxseed to grind yourself be sure to keep it in an air tight container and stored in a dark, cool place where it will keep up to several months. Ground flaxseed needs a little extra care. The high fatty acid content exposed during grinding makes it at risk for oxidation and going rancid. Buy only ground flaxseed stored in airtight packaging. Once home store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

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