Flax seed oil helps lubricate the digestive system and softens
the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Flax seed is
packed with oils, fibers and protein that supply your body with
essential fatty acids (EFAs), notably omega 6 (linoleic acid)
and omega 3 (linolenic acid) fatty acids. Your body uses EFAs
through hormone production, the metabolism of vitamins and
protection at the cellular level. The lignans from flax seed
hulls help control blood sugar and insulin, thereby reducing the
risk of diabetes. Flax seed oil has also been shown to be
helpful in reducing "bad" cholesterol. Deficiencies in EFAs have
been found to be associated with eczema and dry skin. Some women
have also found flax seed be helpful to in relieving hot flashes
associated with menopause.
According to the Health Sciences Institute, the most effective
and inexpensive way to eat flax seed is to grind it fresh and
add it to cereal or juice. This is when the flax seed oil and
fiber is the most potent (it starts to lose potency when exposed
to air), and so you get the most benefit. Flax seed has a mild,
nutty flavor and is much more palatable in the ground form than
straight pressed flax seed oil. Further, one quarter cup of
ground flax seed is the equivalent of 17 flax seed oil capsules,
so there is substantial savings.
Resources:
You can find fresh whole flax seed at health food stores and
natural grocery stores such as Whole Foods. You can also order
it on line from companies such as Stevens Farm, which grows its
own flax and cleans and grades it for human consumption.
About Author :
Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of http://www.Skin-Sage.com, a web
site dedicated to reviews of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle skin
care products and supplements.
