Flax Seeds: What's the Fuss?

If you have visited our seeds page in the past, then you know how wonderful flax seeds are for your health. Although I personally know a lot about flax seeds, they are one of those weird health foods that the majority of the public has never heard of. Flax seeds are tiny little seeds that come from a flax plant - usually about 4 feet tall with long, slender stems and leaves. Flax come in two varieties: brown, or golden yellow.


Although flax seeds have a very high vitamin and mineral content, they are very famous for their omega-3 fatty acids. I know sometimes we talk a lot about omega-3 fatty acids in this blog, and it may get boring, but they are important! Omega 3 fatty acids can help your personal health in so many ways that it is simply irresponsible not to consume the recommended daily intake. Although we have a complete list of the benefits of essential fatty acids on our fatty acid page, I will reiterate my favorite benefits here:

• Increase blood circulation, and therefore reduces blood pressure as well as risk of heart attack
• Reduce risk of ischemic and thrombotic stroke
• Improved immune function
• May delay or prevent the progression of certain psychotic disorders
• Improve human depression
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• Prevent and treat arthritis and osteoarthritis

Since many people do not have any of these health problems...YET, they are so common in our world today that we need to take the steps to prevent these diseases in the future. Consuming the recommended amount of omega 3 fatty acids per day can truly benefit your health and keep you in tip top shape for the rest of your life. High food sources of omega 3 fatty acids include vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, fish, and other marine foods. Since many people do not or cannot eat seafood, flax seeds are a wonderful alternative. In fact, flax seeds are being discussed as the BEST source of omega 3 fatty acids. This has been brought to our attention by German Scientist Johanna Budwig who is well known for her alternative cancer therapy known as the Budwig Diet which consists of flax seeds high in omega 3's. Here is some background information on the Budwig Diet and why this is a POSSIBLE cure for cancer:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027539_cancer_diet_cure.html

Here is the main attraction which discusses why flax seeds may be the best source of omega 3 fatty acids:

http://www.naturalnews.com/035168_flax_seeds_omega-3_fatty_acids.html

If you are interested in consuming these life saving seeds, I have found that the best way to eat them in in smoothies, in salads, or in baking. Since I know I am not the only person who loves to bake, it is very simply to add a handful of these wonders to your batter, mix, and enjoy. They are quite flavorless and truly will benefit your health. In conclusion, do some research and get some flax seeds at your local grocery store, or at Whole Foods, if you want to try something organic. Below I have included the nutrition panel for flax seeds, to show you the individual vitamins and nutrients that they contain. Enjoy!

Flax seed

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	2,234 kJ (534 kcal)
Carbohydrates	28.88 g
- Sugars	1.55 g
- Dietary fiber	27.3 g
Fat	42.16 g
Protein	18.29 g
Thiamine (vit. B1)	1.644 mg (143%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	0.161 mg (13%)
Niacin (vit. B3)	3.08 mg (21%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.985 mg (20%)
Vitamin B6	0.473 mg (36%)
Folate (vit. B9)	0 μg (0%)
Vitamin C	0.6 mg (1%)
Calcium	255 mg (26%)
Iron	5.73 mg (44%)
Magnesium	392 mg (110%)
Phosphorus	642 mg (92%)
Potassium	813 mg (17%)
Zinc	4.34 mg (46%)