High Fiber Foods Connection - Flax and Flaxseed

Tucson, AZ - (High Fiber Health) Can you guess what has the highest amount of dietary fiber of any high fiber foods? Nope. It's not shredded wheat. It's flax, of all things. Do you even know what it is?

Flax is an oil seed productively grown in rich river valleys throughout the world. It is an ancient crop that has been cultivated for hundreds of years, even found in tombs of the Egyptian civilization. Flaxseed has been used medicinally throughout history. Its primary effect being a laxative and an expectorant.
Studies show flaxseed may lower the risk of stroke and certain other cardiovascular diseases. Most certainly this is due to the rich source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed. It has been found to have various anticancer agents within the plant. Not only is flaxseed a high fiber food, it also has protein, vitamins and minerals, and lignans. It also contains generous amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Lignans are phytochemicals which protect against some cancers, typically hormonally related cancers. Lignans help maintain healthy immune system and may be effective in treating inflammatory diseases. Flaxseed has 200-800 more concentrated lignan than any other source. The benefits of fiber from flax are only available in ground flax seed. The body cannot get the necessary lignans and alpha linolenic acids from the indigestible unground flax seed.

The benefits of fiber from flax are only available in ground flax seed. It is indigestible when it is unground. It must be ground before it is consumed using a coffee grinder or blender. So grind it up. Sprinkle it on pizza, salads, ice cream, your martini. Add it to your favorite baking recipes.

Flax oil does not have the fiber benefit that the ground seed supplies. There is basic flax oil, high lignan flax oil, an even higher lignan flax oil and finally, ultra lignan flax oil. It seems a bit overwhelming, but if you want lignans look for products that are labeled unfiltered and unrefined. This is because during processing, lignan content may be dramatically reduced.

As research into the function of lignans in cancer prevention continues, flaxseed shares center stage as a high-fiber food. These little seeds just might be the most healing food in the world!

Today flax is experiencing an amazing revival among nutritionists, health-minded folk, and savvy cooks. If you want a high fiber food that does it all, flax is as good as it gets.