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Heart-Healthy Flax

• Top Seed - With its Healing Powers, Flax is the next nutritional superstar
• Budwig Flax Oil Diet
• flax seed Oils for Omega-3 and EFAs
• Heart-Healthy Flax
• Omega-3 EFAs: The Right Stuff

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You probably think of flax as the source of the fibers that linen is made from. But did you know that the seeds and oil of the flax plant have heart-healthy properties? flax seed oil is a highly unsaturated oil. Both the oil and the seeds are the best food sources of an essential fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid. Our body needs this substance for blood pressure regulation, among other functions. It's one of the omega-3 fatty acids, like those in fish oil, which have been linked to reduced blood clotting and lower risk for heart attacks.

flax seeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and taste good sprinkled on salads, cooked vegetables, or cereals. Grind the seeds or chew them very well; whole seeds just pass through the body. Grinding the seeds just before using them preserves flavor and nutrition. Keep them refrigerated. There is no nutritional difference between brown and yellow flax seeds. Here are some ways to add flax to your diet:

• Combine flax seed flour with wheat flour for breads, quickbreads and pancakes.
• You can find ready-made flax seed breads, muffins, cereals and breakfast bars in many stores.
• flax seed oil cannot be used for frying or sautéing.
• Keep flax seed oil refrigerated, and pay attention to the expiration date. It spoils quickly.

Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not eat a lot of flax, and a few people may have allergic reactions to flax seeds.

Uses of Flax Seed
Health Benefits of Flax Seed
Side Effects of Flax Seed