Flaxseed

According to an article on WebMD, preliminary studies show that flaxseed may help fight everything from heart disease and diabetes to even breast cancer.

The seeds and oil of the flax plant contain substances which promote good health. Flaxseed is very high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, lignans and fiber. Lignan is a type phytoestrogen (antioxidant). Flax seed has 75 to 800 percent more lignans than other vegetables and grains! Flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. They also contain a special fiber called mucilage. Mucilage helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and is a natural laxative.

Benefits of flaxseed include:

• Lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels
• Help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack.
• Counter inflammation associated with lupus and gout
• Control constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders
• Reduce cancer risk

Vitamins found in flaxseed include:

• zinc
• iron
• vitamin E
• carotene
• B-group vitamins
• magnesium
• calcium
• sulfur
• potassium
• phosphorous
• manganese
• silicon
• copper
• nickel
• molybdenum
• chromium
• cobalt

Flaxseed capsules are available, but you get the most benefits from the seeds. If using the seeds, make sure the seeds are milled, ground up. Otherwise, you won't be able to absorb them. You can add the ground up seeds to cereal, salads, protein shakes, rice, or just eat them plain.