Flax SeedsFlax Seeds: Scientific name: Linum usitatissimum Flax is an annual plant, with narrow leaves no longer than one inch in length. New branches develop near the base of the plant, and are thin and pliable. A mature plant can grow to a height of 3 feet under ideal growing conditions. The plant mostly self pollinates, but insects help with cross-pollination. Flax flowers are colored blue with five petals. The flowers open on warm days a few hours after sunrise. Flax Seed, known in the world of science as Linum usitatissimum, is a small seed that has an essential nutrient. Technically it’s not a grain, but, its vitamin as well as it mineral profile is similar. They are a tad larger than sesame seeds. They have a shiny and smooth hard shell. Basing on the brown or golden sort of flax, its color may be at variance - from ruddy brown to deep amber. The flavor of this seed is temperate and earthy with a faintly nutty edge. Seeds that haven’t been ground have a softer crunch. But still, flax is usually consumed ground because this enhances the nutrient absorption. Ground flax may have a comparatively mealy quality with a small hint of crunch, which depends on how finely the seeds were ground. Flax Plant History Known to originate from Mesopotamia, flax seed has been used all the way back to the stone ages. One of the primary documentations of the use of flax for culinary purposes dates back to the times of ancient Greek. 
Hippocrates (the father of medicine) is believed to have consumed these seeds. Ancient Greece and Rome have both extensively commended the flax seeds’ health benefits. The development and standing of flax seeds dropped after the fall of Rome. Charlemagne, the Roman emperor known for influencing the European history, also helped in influencing flax's history. He restored the seeds’ dignified place in the food society of Europe. The emperor was astonished of its medicinal, culinary, and fiber (flax seed fibers can be turned into linen) usefulness. Charlemagne approved laws and regulations during the 8th century that required his subjects to grow and eat flax on a regular basis. After the emperor, flax became highly valued all across Europe. Flax was grown in the United States only after the earliest colonists got there. Flax was first presented and cultivated in the 17th century in Canada, which is presently the key manufacturer of this tremendously beneficial seed. Flax Seed Benefits The seeds have a high alpha linolenic acid content or ALA for short. ALA is a kind of omega-3 that comes from plants. This type is somewhat different from the omega-3 fatty acid that’s marine-based called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. In flax seed oil, fats are obtained in their isolated form. Although the oil doesn’t have the other nutrients that are found in seeds, it has a more concentrated ALA content. ALA alone has numerous health advantages to offer. This fatty acid can also be converted by the human body into EPA, which means that you can get the health benefits from EPA. This conversion can transpire depending on the delta-6-destaurase enzyme’s existence and activity. This enzyme is less present or active in some people than others. The performance of delta-6-desaturase is also slowed down in diabetes, and also by consuming alcohol and saturated fat. So to get comparable benefits as the marine-based omega-3 fats, higher amounts of flax seeds or oil has to be consumed. The oil is a good choice for those who don’t eat fish, research has shown. Flax Seed Benefits include Anti-Inflammatory compounds The body utilizes omega-3 fatty acids to make Series 1, as well as, Series 3 prostaglandins. These two prostaglandins are anti-inflammatory molecules that are hormone-like. Inflammation, a major factor in ailments such as osteoarthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis, can be reduced by omega-3 fatty acids. Flax Seed Oil and Bone Health Protection ALA aids in the promotion of bone health by ending unnecessary bone turnover when taking in foods high in ALA results in a lesser relative amount of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats in the meal plan. Protect Against Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes
Omega-3 fats are also utilized to create substances that lessen the forming of blood clots. Reducing blood clot formation can lessen the heart attack and stroke risks in patients that suffer from diabetic heart condition or atherosclerosis. These fatty acids are also necessary to create flexible cell membranes, the cell’s gatekeepers. Cell membranes let required nutrients in while pushing waste elimination. These cell membranes are important for everyone. But, because flexible cell membranes can react to insulin and take in glucose better than the stiff ones, they are crucial for individuals suffering from diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids also help in safeguarding colon cells from toxins and free radicals that bring about cancer. This results to a reduced colon cancer risk. High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control Study shows that people with diets that include greater omega-3 fatty acids amounts have lower blood pressure compared to those who consume smaller amounts. Flax is High in Beneficial Fiber Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t all that this seed has to offer. Fiber which helps reduce the cholesterol levels in individuals suffering from diabetic heart condition and atherosclerosis can also be found in flax meal and flour. This fiber can less the contact of colon cells to chemicals that can cause cancer. It can also help stabilize diabetic patients’ blood sugar levels and ease constipation. Similar Posts _________________________________________________________________ Top of Flax Seeds Listed under Growing Herbs Photo Credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dger |