Fast Facts About Flax

Originally cultivated in Babylonia and prehistoric Europe, flax (linum usitatissimum) is an herbaceous plant that yields many benefits. From its fibrous stalks, we create linen; while from its edible seeds, we produce flaxseed oil. For thousands of years, humans have been consuming flax in some form for its nutritional and medicinal value. Even Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” prescribed it to treat a variety ailments. Historically, flax has been used as a pain reliever, a diuretic, an expectorant, an astringent, and a laxative. And today, flaxseed still enjoys a reputation as a heart-healthy food that’s easy and affordable to bring into your diet. Here’s what you need to know to get the most of out this valuable nutrient.

Flax is an excellent source of essential omega-3s

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are common to many seed and nut oils. Just as amino acids build proteins, EFAs build prostaglandins: hormone-like compounds that affect reproductive health and may also play a role in regulating blood pressure and inflammation, platelet aggregation, and pain sensitivity. Like their counterparts, the omega-6s, omega-3s are necessary to our survival, but cannot be made by our bodies. Instead, they must be sourced from the food we eat. As an unrefined food, flaxseed provides the richest source of omega-3s fatty acids. In fact, some farmers include flaxseed in their chickens’ diets to boost the omega-3 content of their eggs. Omega-3s play an integral role in cells throughout our bodies, especially on receptors in cell membranes. Flaxseed is especially high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): the precursor to eicosapentaenoic acid, (EPA), the omega-3 found in fish oil. Not only does that give it the ability to boost immunity, it may also help prevent the loss of magnesium and calcium. (13, 14) It’s cancer-fighting and heart-healthy. For hundreds of years, flax was used to treat various tumors; and as it turns out, that folk remedy was not misguided. In the 1970s, researchers discovered that flax does contain cancer-fighting agents. (4) And in a more recent Canadian study, flaxseed was found to have the ability to lower total cholesterol levels (including “bad” LDL cholesterol), while having no adverse effects on “good” HDL cholesterol. (15) The lipid-lowering effect of flaxseed (but not its oil) can be attributed to its high fiber content, which likewise lends itself to a healthy digestive tract by warding of constipation, diverticulosis, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), to name a few. In addition to omega-3s and fiber, it’s also a great source of the following: From protecting against stroke, to lowering triglycerides, to decreasing inflammatory responses, there’s no denying that flaxseed is a powerhouse nutrient. But that’s not all It has all the plant lignans you need. Lignans are natural chemicals found in plants that have antioxidant properties. (16) They are often referred to as phytoestrogens; and when metabolized by the body, they can have profound effects on hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast, uterine, and prostate) by decreasing cell proliferation and inhibiting enzyme activity. (18, 19) Research is ongoing as to whether or not high-circulating levels of lignans can prevent these kinds of hormone-related diseases. However, if you’re looking to get more lignans into your diet, flaxseed is the way to go. You can also find them in other seeds (such as pumpkin, poppy, and sunflower), whole grains, brans, and berries. Get the most out of flaxseed. Like most foods, it matters how flaxseed is consumed and digested—as this directly affects how well the body can absorb different nutrients. According to NutraIngredients-USA, plant lignans found in flax are more bioavailable when the seeds are crushed or ground, rather than whole. (7) Meanwhile, lignans are not present in flax oil at all unless flaxseed is added. And as with fish oil—another popular source of omega-3s—the extraction process has the potential to damage polyunsaturated fats: generating peroxides that ultimately do the body more harm than good. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind for sourcing and cooking with flaxseed:

• • Do eat flaxseed whole or ground. At BodyBio, we like the convenience of FiPro-Flax-Seed, but whole seeds have a longer shelf life. Store them in an airtight container in a dark, dry place. They will keep for a few months, or longer if frozen.
  • Do look for flaxseed oil that has been cold-pressed. Cold-pressing prevents damage to high-quality flax oil, which should have a delicate, almost flavorless taste, and no aroma—though some people note a slightly nutty, pleasant aftertaste.
  • Do not cook with flaxseed oil, as exposure to high heat will generate harmful peroxides.
  • Do add flaxseed to raw foods or those that have already been cooked. Flaxseed adds great flavor and texture to vegetables and salads. They are also a great addition to cereals, muffins and breakfast shakes.
  • Do buy flaxseed oil in an opaque bottle to prevent oxidation, and keep refrigerated. It can also be frozen.
  • Do exercise caution with flaxseed oil capsules. It’s difficult to determine whether the oil is rancid.
  • Do use flaxseed as an egg substitute for vegan recipes. Soak one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in one-third cup of water until gelatinous; then strain off the seeds.

Everything in moderation—including flax

As with any nutritional supplement, balance and proper integration is essential. In this case, the most important balance to keep in mind is the 4:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats, which is considered optimal for cellular health. When it comes to flaxseed, a small amount, such as a teaspoon at a time, is suggested at first. Build up your intake slowly, along with your fluid intake. And follow the recommended dosages listed on packaged products. Some people experience mild gastrointestinal problems (such as flatulence and bloating) if they try to incorporate too much flaxseed into their diets too quickly; while excessive consumption may interfere with the absorption of oral medications. Flaxseeds may be tiny, but they pack a nutritious punch. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve your cellular health, look no further than flax!