Flax seed and flax seed oil have been used for years for their health benefits, and recently have become more widely publicized. One question that arises is does it make a difference if you use ground flax seed or flax seed oil?

The answer is: It depends on why you use flax. Both contain essential omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to lower LDL (also known as bad cholesterol levels.) Flax has also been shown to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. They also improve brain function, ease menopause symptoms, depression and other conditions.

Either flax seed or flax seed oil can be taken, but it is more beneficial to take ground Flax seed over the oil, because it also contains fiber and lignans that provide future health benefits. Dietary fiber kelps improve digestion, and ground flax seed is an excellent source. Not only that but lignans are phytochemicals that may prevent hormone-related cancers by binding estrogen receptors in the body.

Another benefit of using ground flax seed over flax seed oil is the storage. Flax seed oil is best kept in dark-colored packaging in cool places because light and oxygen can break it down. On the other hand, flax seed can be stored for two years or longer if it is out of direct sunlight. Ground flax seed should be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Some flax seed is referred to as cold milled. This means the seed is ground without heating the mill blades. Cold milling preserves the seed's essential nutrients.

One unique way to store whole flax seed is in a pillow and used as aromatherapy. Make sure the flax seed is free of weeds and other debris and has not come into contact with chemicals.

There are many ways to supplement flax: Flax seed oil is excellent on salads. The ground flax seed works great in meatloaf or when added to baked goods. It also makes a tasty, nutty coating for chicken and fish.

You can use flax as an egg substitute by mixing 3tablespoons of water to 1tablespoon of ground flax. Keep in mind though that it makes the end result chewier than the traditional recipe.) Another baking tip is to substitute 3 tablespoons of ground flax seed for each tablespoon of fat or oils, like butter or margarine. (Note: It may brown more quickly than with butter though.)

After all is said and done flax oil provides excellent health benefits, but ground flax seed may get the edge in the daily diet. On a quality control note look for organic flax seed. The organic flax is grown and processed without irradiation, pesticides or other additives. It also permits you to get all the health benefits flax has to offer.

Supplementstogo offers a variety of flax products from NOW Foods to help supplement your lifestyle. They help to create an easy manner to add the benefits of flax to the daily diet.
Remember Flax is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6, protein and fiber while being easily added to common foods, Try some NOW.

Flaxseed Another Heart Helper

I have been taking Fish oil to provide extra amounts of omega-3 as a therapy for avoiding heart issues. What I have learned recently is that Flaxseed oil also provides the daily food requirements for omega-3 in a dietary fashion.

Flax oil can help balance the lower amount of dietary omega-3 currently in our food supply. Flaxseed is the richest plant source of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fat, alpha linolenic acid (called ALA for short). Although some have tried to claim that fish oil and flaxseed oil have different effects on cardiovascular health, clinical data obtained from nine major trials showed that ALA can produce dramatic, beneficial effects on our heart health too.

Researchers in Canada have found that an increased intake of ALA in humans leads to a decreased risk for heart disease, lower incidence of heart attacks, stroke, cancer, and most importantly, a decreased risk of death from all causes. The effects were not small and the studies measured these effects in 600 to over 76,000 subjects. The risk of heart disease was reduced by up to 70%, the risk of having a heart attack was reduced by 75%, and the risk of having a stroke was reduced by up to 60%.

The results have shown a role for flaxseed and ALA in blocking irregular heart beats associated with heart attacks and slowing the process of blockages in arteries (known as atherosclerosis) which cause heart attacks and stroke. The research data obtained from experimental work at the laboratory and from clinical trials from all over the world is becoming clear: ALA from flaxseed oil appears to be an excellent protective means to help in the fight against heart disease!
Flaxseed oil is available in either liquid or capsule form.

How you choose to take it is really up to you. Flaxseed oil is usually described as having a mild, nutty taste. The capsules are much easier to take on business trips or vacations, and their shelf life is much longer than the liquid flaxseed oil. Many people end up buying both the liquid and the capsules.

For me, even though the fish oil is healthy, I could do without the after taste, and when I tried the flax tablets, decided that it was time to switch.

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