At our clinic, we love to recommend patients to have ground flax seeds daily. Flax seeds are high in lignans and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) which are considered natural cancer-protective compounds. They are also high in fibre promoting regular bowel movement and therefore, beneficial in the fight of colon cancer. Even though whole flax seeds have a higher fibre content, the ground flax seeds are easier to digest and the one that works best.
Here are some key points to remember about your flax seeds:
– Consume 2-4 tablespoons of ground flax seeds per day – add it to salads, stews, smoothies or soups
– Keep refrigerated or in the freezer at all times
– Do not grind whole seeds until ready to use
– Bottles of flax oil only have a 4 week shelf life – so buy the smallest bottle possible
Flax oil is high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids. This means that it can help with any inflammatory problem. So if you have arthritis, muscle aches & pains or heart disease, you can try flax oil. Studies have shown that flax oil can reduce inflammation by as much as 30%.
Flax can also help us fight those awful “blues”. So if you are feeling tired, sad, and depressed, know that a diet high in flax can help. Studies have shown that 2-3 tablespoons of flax daily can help up to 2/3 of depressed women bounce back within 8 weeks.
At Miranda Naturopathic Clinic, we are passionate advocates of Staying Healthy for Life. Call us at 905-239-3900 for a 10 min free “Meet & Greet” and we can tell you how we can help you.