Flax seed is a great nutritional supplement providing many beneficial elements including omega 3 essential fatty acids, lignan, mucilage and various vitamins and minerals. In this article we will mention Canadian flax seed specifically but these nutritional elements are found in all flax seed often in equal or at least very similar qualities and it can be understood that all flax seed is of equal nutritional quality.
The first beneficial element found in Canadian flax seed is omega 3 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are fatty acids that are vital for physical and mental wellbeing but are not able to be produced by the body itself. The omega 3 fatty acid that is found in flax seed is known as alpha-linolenic acid and makes up about 59% of Canadian flax seed oil.
Alpha-linolenic acid is also used by the body to create two other omega 3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA. All these fatty acids are essential for proper body and brain functioning. The brain consists mainly of fat and if there is a deficiency in these essential fatty acids you are likely to experience depression, attention deficit, an increased risk of Alzheimer's and various other mental symptoms.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids are also essential for proper body functioning and have been known to decrease the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and are good anti-inflammatories.
Another nutritional element found in Canadian flax seed is the high lignan content. Lignans are believed to be beneficial for "prostrate health, bone health, breast health, reducing symptoms of menopause, heart health, hair loss, acne, inflammation," and believed to have an anti-cancer role says the Flax Lignan Information Bureau (http://www.flaxlignaninfo.com/RSG_Flax/
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Canadian flax seed also contains mucilage. Mucilage is a natural mild laxative, soothes stomach ulcers and aids in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In addition to these benefits mucilage is also an excellent detox method and prevents a build of toxins in the bowel.
Canadian flax seed is also a good source of fiber. There are actually two different types of fiber found in flax seed, soluble and insoluble. These two types of fiber are beneficial in that they assist in bowel movements as well as lowering the "bad" cholesterol levels.
Lastly Canadian flax seed also contains some vitamins and minerals including vitamins B1 and B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese. All B vitamins are useful in energy production, breaking down fats and proteins, as well as maintaining the digestive system and promoting overall good health.
Magnesium and Phosphorus are vital for healthy bones and teeth and Magnesium is also beneficial for the heart, lungs and kidneys. Copper is needed to help create hemoglobin for the red blood cells in order for the body to be able to carry oxygen efficiently and Manganese is beneficial for the creation of "connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors and sex hormones" according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Flax seed is an important supplement to most diets as it contains omega 3 essential fatty acids, lignan, mucilage, fiber and various vitamins and minerals. By supplementing your diet with Canadian flax seed you will notice many improvements for your overall physical and mental wellbeing including a better state of mind, lower risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, regular bowel activity, more energy, stronger bones and teeth and overall better health.
Glossary:
Mucilage: "a gelatinous substance of various plants (as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums" (Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary)
Lignan: chemical compound in plants that act like estrogen and are also antioxidants