The benefits of flax are popping up all over.
A new review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition just reported on 28 different studies on flaxseed and its derivatives. This vegetarian source of omega-3s was found to lower both total cholesterol and LDL, the “bad” cholesterol.
Flax appears to be especially beneficial for post-menopausal women. Why? The lignans in the fibrous shell of the flaxseed work to quench free radicals in the body and combat the cell-proliferating power of excess estrogen.
No wonder other research finds flaxseed helps fight cancer, makes insulin more effective, and supports the immune system. Earlier research at Canada’s Princess Margaret Hospital and Toronto Hospital shows that as little as two tablespoons a day of ground flaxseed markedly inhibits tumor growth in women with breast cancer.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
This news is music to my ears. What I’ve been writing about for years has now been confirmed by a major medical journal. My followers have been accruing the benefits of flaxseed for the last ten years. Not only have I reported on the benefit for menopausal symptoms in my books Before the Change (New York Times bestseller) and Hot Times; flax has also been a major component of my Fat Flush diet and detox programs.
Make flaxseed part of your daily diet with these new and tasty ideas: Sprinkle flaxseeds over salads and veggies, roll in fruit slices, add to cottage cheese and yogurt, or grind and add to smoothies. Many of my personal recipes in The Fat Flush Cookbook feature creative ways to add flaxseeds to any menu. As confirmed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, high-lignan sources of flax appear to be most effective. While lignans are found in flaxseed oil and supplements, flax in its natural seed form gives you the most benefit with the highest lignan levels. I’ve found organic Omega Nutrition’s Cold Milled Flax Seeds to be the freshest available.
Sources:
www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/2/288
