Flaxseed and weight loss

Flaxseed, the grain with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, lignans and protein, is being rediscovered by health and weight-conscious celebrities, nutritionists, and everyday people.

Consumer research shows that flaxseed and other Omega-3 product purchases will grow at a 60 percent compounded annual rate by 2011. Due to its rise in popularity, food manufacturers are rushing to include flaxseed in cereals, pancake mix, breads, mayonnaise and more.

Demi Moore, Hillary Swank, Alicia Silverstone and Madonna are just a few of the celebrities that have put the power of Flaxseed into their daily diet and exercise routines.

Flaxseed, when ground or milled, is easy to add to everyday foods and has a nutty, buttery taste. Simply sprinkle over cereal, salads, pasta or stir into smoothies or juice. When cooking, flaxseed even substitutes for eggs and oil.

“Flaxseed, like other sources of soluble fiber, has been reported to help lower cholesterol (particularly LDL), curb appetite, help keep blood sugar stable, and encourage weight management,” said Jen Allbritton, a certified nutri tionist.* “Flax’s most notable ingredient is its lignans. These fibrous compounds are powerful antioxidants that are metabolized by bacteria in the colon into substances that possess anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. Flax is the richest source of lignans, providing up to 800 times the amount found in other lignan-containing foods.”

“When it comes to weight loss, flaxseed makes you feel full and satisfied. It contains large amounts of fiber, which acts as a gentle laxative,” said Stephanie Stober, president/owner of Flax USA. “Its lecithin content has been shown to dissolve fat and cholesterol from food in your digestive tract, which are then eliminated from your body, in­stead of being stored as body fat.”

FlaxUSA and Stober Farms Flaxseed Products
For over 100 years, John and Stephanie Stober’s family has been growing the finest flax in the world from their fifth generation family farm. Flax grows about two feet tall with pale blue flowers. Driving past the Stober’s farms looks like an ocean in blue bloom.

The Flax USA and Stober Farm products include: Natural Milled Golden Flax Seed, Organic Milled Golden Flax Seed and Golden Flax Seed Flax Sprinkles™. Easy, convenient and ready to eat, add 2-4 tbsp of these flax products to smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, salad, pasta, juice, ice cream, baked goods or any favorite food. One serving contains 2800mg of Omega-3, 3 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Flax USA products are sold at Sam’s Club nationally and Costo regionally. Stober Farms products are sold at specialty food stores across the country.

The Many Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Flaxseed offers more nutritional punch than other grains. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, flax seed is a powerhouse food. Maximum nu trition comes from consuming it as a whole food, not as an additive.

The McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign reports the following about flax: “In recent years, many studies have focused on the disease fighting properties of flax or its components. Although the results of many of these studies seem promising, it is important to remember that more research on flax is still needed. Below is a short list of diseases and the ways that flax may help in prevention or treatment.

Cancer – The high lignan content of flaxseed is thought to play a role in fighting a broad range of cancers. The anti-cancer properties of flaxseed may also stem from alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid found in flax seed), which is potentially capable of slowing tumor growth.

Heart disease – Clinical studies have shown that flaxseed may lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of blood clots when consumed over time. These benefits may result from fiber and/or the alpha linolenic acid found in flaxseed.

Rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease – The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids have been recognized in both treating and slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease. Although most omega-3 research has focused on the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, more recent studies have shown flax seeds also may provide this benefit.
Menopause and osteoporosis – Much like soy, flaxseeds are a rich source of phytoestrogens. Some stud ies have shown that consuming foods high in phytoestrogens may prevent or mitigate symptoms caused by the de clining estrogen levels associated with menopause. Phytoestrogens may also be helpful in fighting osteoporosis re lated bone loss experienced by some post-menopausal women.”

(See full report at http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/Handouts/flax_seeds_nutritional_needs.htm)