Flax: Nature's Little Miracle

This month I decided to focus on your diet. The decision of what you put in your mouth each meal will create a huge difference in your health.

Over my 19 years in practice, I have discovered an inexpensive food that has incredible health benefits.

Flax is very powerful. It promotes normal cholesterol levels, helps to normalize digestion and balance hormones. The combination of omega-3 fatty acids plus fiber helps reduce cholesterol and also aids in constipation and weight loss.

Flax contains lignans, which many believe add benefits to your immune system as well as promoting good breast health. Lignans are phytoestrogens and while they are found in many plants, flax is the richest source.

Flax contains 40% oil, most of which are omege-3 fatty acids. These are very vital for our health, but usually not present in the typical American diet in nearly the needed quantity. Omega-6 fatty acids are the more commonly found essential fatty acids in our diet as they are present in fruit and vegetables.

Unfortunately, the omega-3s are more difficult to find. Cold water fish such as salmon is an excellent source, but some people can't eat enough in a week to get their full quantity of this needed oil. But fortunately flax is readily available and easy to eat.

Flax is inexpensive and easy to use. Simply grind about 2 tablespoons in a coffee grinder and add it to your morning protein shake or drink. It can also be sprinkled on vegetables or a salad for a nutty flavor. Grind the seeds freshly as you use them to maintain the freshness of the oil.

Don't cook the flax as the heat will destroy the beneficial oils.

BioHealth offers a great lab test which will evaluate the good and bad oils in your body. Bad fats promote inflammation and heart disease, not to mention hormonal imbalance. Good oils do just the opposite.

Do you need an oil change? Find out. It could be one of the best things you do for yourself.

Please let me know if I can answer any further questions you may have. You can contact me by email or at my office 408-733-0400.