FLAXSEED FIBER and WEIGHT LOSS

Fiber, a complex carbohydrate, is generally defined as the part of a plant that cannot be digested thus, it adds virtually no calories to the diet. Fiber when saturated with water fills you up without adding calories.

Flaxseed contains 12 grams of Fiber per serving (1/4c or 3Tbsp. ground); it consists of both soluble and insoluble fiber; and contains more fiber than most plant foods (see chart) and thus is a natural and useful way to control your weight. The recommended daily intake of fiber is 35 grams.

FLAX SEED LOWER CHOLESTEROL

Fiber is classified as water soluble (holds water) and water insoluble. Water soluble fiber lowers cholesterol and slows the rate of blood glucose (sugar) absorption. Studies of people with adult or obesity-related (type 2) diabetes have shown that high fiber intake (as much as 50 grams a day) may reduce the need for insulin.

In general for every 10g of Flax Seed used in the diet there is a 1% reduction in total Cholesterol and a 1.5% reduction inLDL cholesterol. Ground Flax seed can help keep people off costly drug treatment with its cholesterol lowering effects.The Flax Council of Canada Flax Seed has little or no effect on genetically high chloesterol.NDSU Department of Plant Sciences

Insoluble fiber promotes regularity by keeping waste moving through the digestive tract alieviating digestive disorders and helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Two thirds of the fiber in flax seed is insoluble and this aids digestion by increasing bulk and reducing the time that waste remains in the body. These characteristics seem to have a role in protecting against cancer. Fiber enhances our body’s ability to use other dietary nutrients and goes through our digestive tract almost completely undigested. Once it reaches the colon and/or the large intestine, fiber is then broken down. American Institute for Cancer Research, Mayo Clinic Dietitian – Facts on Flax

Like other sources of fiber, flaxseed should be taken with plenty of fluids. Also, it’s best to start with smaller doses one tablespoon and then increase to three tablespoons ground per day (1/4 cup) as your body adjusts to the fiber intake.HealthGate health and medical information

Flax Seed is a Nutritionally Valuable Food

A nutritional analysis of Flaxseed reveals the high concentration omega-3 essential fatty acid, fiber, lignans and other vitamins and minerals, suggests that Flax Seed helps reduce cholesterol, fight cancer and contributes to a 35% reduction in the blood glucose curve. NDSU Department of Plant Sciences

The FDA states that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in reducing coronary heart disease.

Omega-3 oil helps keep our blood relatively thin and circulating well, especially in cold weather.Phil Lempert Today” Food Editor

Scientists have isolated at least three flaxseed components with potential health benefits. The first is colon cleansing fiber, valuable in eliminating wastes from the body. The benefits of the other two substances, omega 3 fatty acid and lignans, may be helpful in the prevention of cancer and heart disease and in treatment ofmenopausal symptoms and chronic kidney disease. HealthGate health and medical information