From the local doctor to Dr. Oz, Flax seed has been in the media lately. But can flax seed really improve your health, or is it all hype?

What is Flax Seed?

Flax is a blue herb grown for its seed and fiber.  The fiber is used to make woven linen. The brown seeds are used for…the seed…or to be ground and squeezed for the oil (flax or linseed oil). Linseed is found in hardware stores and is used in wood preservation.

It is currently grown in the United States as well as Asia, Africa, and Europe.

What Are the Properties of Flax Seed?

The tiny, brown seeds are packed full of power. They are fiber and high in omega-3’s, Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), and lignans. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for heart health and can also be found in salmon.

ALA are fatty acids that we must ingest and is also essential for heart health and in cholesterol.

The nutrients in flax are easily absorbed.

How Do I Eat Flax Seed?Can Flax Seed Improve Your Health

Flax seeds and flax seed oil can be found in any health food store.

Flax seeds are easily added to almost anything whole or ground. Like many other seeds, they can add crunch to bread or salads.

As oil, it can be drizzled over salads or added to smoothies.

I have found that neither the seeds nor the oils have much of a taste.

Like many herbal therapies, flax has been and should be, part of our diet.

Flax is an inexpensive way to boost your fatty acids and protect your heart. Flax has also been reported to help with weight loss.

Flax seed use is becoming more popular. When considering supplementation and herbal therapies, flax seed is one that should not be passed up.




