Flax seed benefits -

So why aren't we using flax seed more? With all the benefits why don't I have it on hand in my home? It's time to get it.

The Health Benefits of Flax Seeds!
The National Cancer Institute has identified golden flax seeds as a food product that deserves further study and attention because of its potential cancer fighting properties and many health benefits. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, golden flax seeds contain 27 identifiable cancer preventive compounds. Medical sources abound that have published clinical results concluding that golden flax seed can have a positive impact on your overall health.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests adding flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil to your daily meal plan to improve overall health. These foods are high in an omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid and appear to lower triglyceride levels. Fatty fish, such as bluefish, salmon, halibut and sardines, also contain omega-3 fats. Including these fish two to three times a week may help keep triglyceride levels stable.
Some of the potential health benefits of flax seeds that have been reported: (Please note these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA. See disclaimer below.**)

What the Experts have to say:

Gandhi once observed, "wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among people, there will be better health."
Dr. Bob Arnot recommends 25 grams of flaxseed a day (approximately 1/4 cup ground) to protect against the development of breast cancer.**
Dr. Andrew Weil and Omega-3
Country Road Chronicles
Report on Flaxseeds by the Flax Council of Canada Flax a Health and Nutrition Primer

Lowered blood cholesterol levels
Lowered high blood pressure
Increased energy, vitality, and stamina
Increased sense of calmness under stress
Reduced threat of blood clots
Protection against cancers, particularly hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate
Better regulation of blood sugar levels
Eases inflammatory tissue conditions, including arthritis
Alleviation of dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
Enhanced immune system
Increased metabolic rate with a positive impact on weight management
Helps with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Natural laxative
And the list goes on

Try this health tip:

Use the golden flax seeds instead of the oil - although flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, it doesn't contain the beneficial lignans and fiber that are removed in the process of making the oil.

Dietary Sources of 1 gram of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Sources Amount needed Calories

Flaxseed oil 1/2 teaspoon 20
Ground Flaxseed 1-1/2 teaspoon 40
Walnut halves 5 70
Canola Oil 2 teaspoons 80
Soybean Oil 1 tablespoon 120
Wheat germ oil 1 tablespoon 120
Salmon, herring, albacore,
sardine, rainbow trout, eel 2 ounces 100
Other fish contain some
omega 3, but not as much 9 - 12 ounces 300(or more)
Broccoli, cooked 5 cups 220
Spinach, cooked 10 cups 280
Soy nuts 3/4 cup 285
Rice Bran oil 4 tablespoons 480
http://www.greatplainsflax.com/benefits.htm

What's all the Flax about Golden Flax Seeds??
Flax is an oil seed that has been used as a food product for thousands of years. Flax, also known as linseed, is an ancient crop that has its origin traced back to 3,000 B.C. when cultivated by the Babylonians. It has been grown all over the world, with its higher production as a field crop noted in fertile river valleys. Around 650 B.C. Hippocrates wrote about the soothing nature of eating flax to relieve abdominal pains.Civic and religious leaders during these times continued to relay messages about the qualities of flax to use for fibers in weaving and promoting the addition of the harvested seed to their diets. There are two types of flax seed. One type is grown for the seed use and considered an oil seed variety.
The other is grown specifically for fiber production to be utilized in the textile industry. In North America, it is primarily the oil seed varieties which are produced commercially. Much of the world flax production occurs in Canada and the United States. The US production is centered in North and South Dakota. A University research project led to the creation of a new variety of flax seed called Omega. This new variety was created primarily as a food source and has a pleasant nutty flavor and has a much higher level of the beneficial Omega-3 oil. In fact, the composition of the flax seeds (and the related health benefits) can vary significantly between the flax seed varieties. The golden flax seed products sold in health food stores generally originate in Canada and do not contain the same organic composition as the Omega flax seed. All golden flax seed is not alike!

Golden flax seed contains:

Omega-3 oils. Also known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Lignans
Fiber, both soluble and insoluble
Each of these components contributes health benefits to regular flax seed users.

Golden Flax is available in a number of forms including whole seeds, flax oils and capsules, and ground flax meal. As whole seeds pass through the body without the shell of the seed breaking down, the healthy contents of the golden flax seed are not absorbed. Flax oil products do not provide the fiber and lignans that are key components of the health benefits of flax. Freshly ground Omega flax seed provides the maximum health benefits associated with both the Omega-3 essential fatty acids, lignans and the fiber in a form that the human body can absorb and process.
More Info from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed?page=3&print=true