Flaxseed - Miraculous Anti-ageing Divine Food

Flaxseed is a wonderful, anti-ageing super star food. I was really surprised when I heard about this not very long ago. I wanted to join this wagon of wellness and so I researched until I felt satisfied that it could help me, too. Here are my findings.

Flaxseeds are tiny seeds of Linum usitatissimum, which has been widely used for thousands of years as a source of food and clothing.  Flaxseeds have become very popular recently, because they are a richest source of the Omega 3 essential fatty acid Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and lignans.  Even Gandhi wrote about this: “Wherever flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.”

Flaxseed contains  30-40% oil (including 36-50% alpha linolenic acid, 23-24% linoleic acid- Omega-6 fatty acids), mucilage (6%), protein (25%), Vitamin B group,  lecithin, selenium, calcium, folate, magnesium, zinc,  carotene, sulfur, potassium, phosphorous , vitamins A and E and all essential amino acids.

Our bodies function best when our diets contain a well-balanced ratio of these fatty acids, meaning 1:1 ratio of  omega-6 and omega-3. But we typically eat 10 to 30 times more omega-6 than omega-3’s, which is a prescription for trouble. This imbalance puts us at greater risk for a number of serious illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and arthritis. As the most abundant plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed helps restore balance and lets omega-3’s do what they’re best at: balancing the immune system, decreasing inflammation, and lowering some of the risk factors for heart disease.

Flaxseed  helps the heart is by decreasing the ability of platelets to clump together.  Flax seed helps to lower high blood pressure, clears clogged coronaries, lowers high blood cholesterol. It wonderfully relieves the symptoms of Diabetes complications and lowers blood sugar level.  Flaxseed help fight obesity. Adding flaxseed to foods creates a feeling of satiation.  Flaxseed increases energy, vitality, stamina and shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.    

Flaxseeds are the richest source of lignans.  Lignans are phytoestrogens, meaning that they are similar to but weaker than the estrogen that a woman’s body produces naturally. Therefore, they may also help alleviate menopausal discomforts such as hot flashes, habitual abortion,  and vaginal dryness. Lignan are antibacterial, antifungal,  anti-allergic, antioxidant and antiviral.

Because they are high in dietary fiber, ground flaxseeds can help to relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. Taken for inflammatory bowel disease, flaxseed can help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract damage.  

The essential fatty acids in flaxseed are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Dry skin, acne, rosacea, eczema,   psoriasis, skin cancers etc. always respond to the Flaxseed’s anti-inflammatory & anti-allergic actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Flaxseed  strengthen and fortify hair as well as nourish dry or brittle nails. Flaxseed is an edible cosmetic.  It is natural manicure and pedicure.  

The Flaxseed keeps your mind cool and you stay cheerful. Negative thoughts stay far away from you.    This is super anti depressant.  Flaxseed contains lot of Omega-3 which is known as SIM CARD of your mind. SIM CARD means S=Serene, I=Imagination, M=Memory, C=Concentration & Creativity, A=Alertness, R=Reading, Writing & thinking skill, D=Divine. You don’t become angry. Flaxseed’s nerve-nourishing actions may also help in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.  Flaxseed is beneficial in all joints and muscular pains.

Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens in flaxseed helps stabilize a woman’s estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, dry vagina and relieve the hot flashes of menopause.  

The EFAs also play a role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of value in treating male infertility. Flaxseed is better than Viagra for  erectile dysfunction. Many patients are reporting that it delayed their ejaculation times as long as they wish.

Dr. Johanna Budwig proposed Flaxseed oil and cottage cheese diet for  treatment of cancer.  Dr. Budwig used to get 90% success even in those seriously ill  patients  who were rejected by  medical practitioners. Dr. Budwig has been nominated for a Nobel Prize 7 times, but she refused the conditional Nobel Prize every time because she  was told to include  chemo and radio in her protocol. 

Ways to include flax seed in home cooking

Sprinkle 30-50 Gms ground flax seed on your curd, cereals and salads or add to the whole wheat flour for making bread, chapattis or parathas.