Super Fruit Handbook - Flaxseed Offers a Number of Natural Health Benefits

Flaxseed has been around for centuries and this food has been present in both animal and human diets. The main reason flaxseed has been around for thousands of years is because it offers a whole host of amazing health benefits. Here is a brief overview of some of the few health benefits flaxseed offers.

Flax Fights Cholesterol

Research indicates the consumption of flaxseed is associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, including the LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Numerous studies have shown a positive response to eating ground flax seed daily and fight cholesterol. In addition to eating low fat foods, exercising daily, reducing your sugar and salt intake and eating flax seed daily are a few good ideas to help fight cholesterol.

Flax Fights Constipation

One huge benefit of flax is that is both soluble and insoluble fiber. One ounce of flax provides 32% of the USDA's daily recommendation of fiber. Due to the insoluble fiber, flax promotes regular bowel movements. The all natural fiber in flax helps to absorb water, thereby softening the stool and allowing it to pass through the colon quickly. When you add fiber to your diet, it is important to make sure that you are drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. Without enough liquids in the body, fiber can actually cause constipation! In addition to eating fruits and vegetables, drinking eight glasses of water daily, exercising daily and add two to four tablespoons of flax to your daily diet.

Flax Fights Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is not something women look forward to experiencing& the hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and moodiness. Flax is a natural source for phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances found in plants. In fact, flax is the richest known plant source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens act as a natural therapy that can help stabilize hormonal levels. The stabilization of hormonal levels helps to reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Flax Keeps Hearts Healthy

Numerous studies have been done on the effect of flax on heart health. Flax has been found to help reduce triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL levels (the bad cholesterol). Regular intake of flax can protect against arrhythmias and helps keep the arteries pliable and clear.

Here are a few suggestions to get flaxseed into your daily diet:

o Whole seeds, oil or ground seeds Add flax to your cereal, salad or yogurt. In addition flax makes an excellent addition to pancakes, muffins and other baked recipes. You can find flax at your local health food store or supermarket.

o Flaxseed Capsules: An innovative flaxseed capsule is from Fruit Advantage . The company has combined cranberry with flaxseed into an easy-to-swallow capsule and named it Fruit Advantage Women's Formula. It is an excellent way of getting the benefits of cranberry and flax. Also download a free copy with of the Super Fruit Handbook at the Super Fruit Handbook website.

Russ Anderson is an avid writer about the the natural benefits of food. Download a free copy of the Super Fruit Handbook at http://www.superfruithandbook.com. To learn more about the cranberry visit http://www.traversebayfarms.com