The Health Benefits of Flaxseed Include The Delivery Of
Omega 3 Fatty Acids That
Can Lower Blood Pressure

Move Over Fish Oil; There's Another
Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The Health Benefits of Flaxseed may not be apparent to the casual observer. Some people look at them and wonder what they are supposed to do with them. One seed is about the size of a sesame seed, and has a similar shape, they are brownish-gold and glossy. They are an altogether different experience when you try to chew on them (you will need a toothpick). The fibers of the Flax plant itself have been used to make rope, twine, linen, and durable paper, detracting from its real value as a heart healthy super food.

Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil are very high in lignans, which are a plant based dietary fiber and antioxidant. Although the jury is still out as to whether Flaxseeds high in Omega-3 with ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) are better or even equal to the Omega-3 with EPA and DHA found in fish oil, it is certain that this little seed packs quite a punch when fighting a number of ailments, including High Blood Pressure. It should not replace fish oil, but it needs to receive its due recognition.

The best way to purchase and consume Flaxseed is in a ground up pounder form, which is easier to digest. They are so small, that when eaten whole, many of them are swallowed whole and eliminated through the stool before they can be absorbed. It would be almost impossible to chew all of them. However, whole Flaxseeds have a longer shelf life, so if you buy them ground, only purchase what you need for a month or so. The ground seeds will need to be stored in a sealed container and refrigerated.

It is not very appetizing to eat these little gems plain by themselves. If taken whole, the recommended amount is about 5 Tablespoons per day. But of course most of this passes through the intestines undigested. You may want to sprinkle the ground up seeds on other foods such as hot or cold cereals, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or drinks. The recommended amount of ground Flaxseed is about one Tablespoon 2 or 3 times a day. Being that it is very high in fiber, it can cause a bit of gas and bloating at first. Gradually increase your intake to adjust to this.

The Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Include:

• A remedy for constipation due to high fiber content
• Lower cholesterol
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels in diabetics
• Effective in treating cancer, particularly prostrate, colon, and breast cancers
• Prevents bone loss of Osteoporosis in women
• Immune system booster
• Reduces kidney inflammation due to kidney disease

Flaxseed and High Blood Pressure

There is substantial evidence that the alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed may be beneficial to people suffering from heart disease. This is good news for those of us with High Blood Pressure. The University of Maryland Medical Center has published an article about Flaxseed which details its effects on High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease, and concludes that the evidence is very encouraging.  

The NCCAM (National Center For Complimentary and Alternative Medicine) on the other hand, has posted an article stating that, while Flaxseed is beneficial to those with heart disease, research is continuing and results are yet inconclusive as to whether Flaxseed is effective for "heart conditions."

Regardless of the above inconsistencies, enough evidence has been compiled to conclude that the Health Benefits Of Flaxseed include several factors that indirectly affect High Blood Pressure among other things. Hypertension is the result of several variables that can be addressed on different levels according to the needs of the individual patient. For instance, it is possible to lower blood pressure in some people simply by improving their digestion. Some people will benefit from adding an element to their diet that has been neglected. In many cases, this element is Omega-3 fatty acids. So, although it is not a "cure," it certainly cannot hurt but only help. 

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