Fabulous Flax - The Rich Nutrients In Flax

Flax oil and flax (also known as linseed) seeds have become rediscovered as genuine health nutrients. They unquestionably deserve being admitted in any top-ten listing of nutrients that are healthy. Flax isn't a brand-new nutrient. It is in reality among the older and, maybe, among the groundbreaking "wellness foods," cherished due to its therapeutic attributes throughout the Romanist Empire. Flax was among innovative medications employed by Hippocrates.

Flax may be nicknamed the "unnoticed oil." It has been diminished due to oil makers having discovered wholesome oils to be less rewarding from a profit point of view. The selfsame nutriments that flax generates in nutritional advantages - crucial fatty acids - likewise afford it a poor shelf life, causing it to be costlier to develop, ship, and store on shelves.

However, those who are nutritional experts recognize the need to keep ranking flax high up on the list of essential foods. Due to the bustle of technological fields of study confirming the wellness benefits of omega-3s, flax oil has progressed from the icebox of "wellness food enthusiasts" to a position of scientific reputability.

A tablespoonful of flax oil or 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal should become a daily habit. In addition to being the most beneficial origin of omega 3's, flax oil is an effective source of omega-6 fatty acid, or linolic acid (LA). Safflower, sunflower, and sesame oils are more outstanding sources of omega 6 fatty acids however, they don't incorporate any omega-3 fatty acids. Flax oil comprises 45 to 60 percent of the omega-3 fatty acid alphalinolenic acid (ALA).

Along with wholesome fats, flax seeds carry additional nutriments which make consuming the entire seed superior instead of eating only the distilled oil:

1. Flax seeds are comprised of high caliber protein.

2. Flax seeds are abundant in water-soluble fiber. The combining of the oil and the fiber causes flaxseeds to be an ideal laxative.

3. Flax seeds bear vitamins B-1, E, carotene, B-2, and C. These seeds also incorporate zinc, iron, as well as trace quantities of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, carotene, and vitamin E, two nutriments that assist the metabolic process from the oil.

4. Flax seeds carry more than a hundredfold additional phytonutrient, called lignin, than any of its most proximate contenders, like wheat berry bran, rye, millet, buckwheat, oats, and soy. Lignins have gotten more press due to potential anti-cancer attributes, particularly in regard to breast and colon cancer. Lignins appear to kick excessive estrogen hormones from the body, thereby abbreviating the relative incidence of estrogen-linked cancers, like breast cancer.

In addition to anti-tumor properties, lignins also look to deliver antibacterial, antifungal agents, and antiviral agents. Linseeds, because they comprise some protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and lignins, they are more nourishing than their oils. Even so, for useful intentions, many consumers favor utilizing the oil for its omega-3s and not being forced to hassle with crunching the seeds.

However nutritionally speaking, it's worthy of the bother to mill new linseeds (like in a coffee grinder) and scatter them as a flavoring with cereals, salads, or blend them into biscuits and muffins.

While purchasing seeds, make certain they are intact, not split; breaking the open brings out the inside seed to the light and warmth and diminishes the nutritionary rate. Or, purchase pre-ground linseeds, accessible as flaxseed meal. Just one ounce of linseed meal (about 4 tbsp.) will generate approximately 8 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Seeds Are Nutrition Powerhouses

Plants have a perfectly designed approach for ensuring the survival of their species. Every flower or fruit produced by the plant is packed with seeds. Some seeds are microscopic, like the seed of the orchid, so small that it looks like dust. Others are gigantic such as the seed of a palm tree native to the Seychelles that can grow up to twelve inches long and weigh as much as forty pounds.

Despite their size differences, all of these seeds have something in common; they are packed with nutrition. Nature has no idea what type of soil or nutrients will be available externally. To give each seed the best fighting chance when conditions are favorable for germination, the plant packs it with a variety of essential nutrients that can sustain the young sprout until its roots are capable of extracting nutrients from the soil.

A wide variety of these seeds is edible and they add nutrition, flavors and new textures into our regular diets. They can also be great replacements for products that are sources of allergies, as in some nuts, and those that are far less nutritious, as in wheat crackers. Add a few seeds to your diet every day or as a snack and you'll gain valuable vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids to your diet. Choose raw natural seeds to get the biggest bang for your buck. Roasting breaks down many essential nutrients and may even produce substances that are toxic to your system. This also applies to seeds that are coated with sugar, no matter how tempting those chocolate-coated sunflower seeds may be.

Many of these seeds can be thrown into a salad to add texture and nutrition, others can be used to make a seed butter, similar to almond butter and they can be eaten as a nutrient-packed snack between meals. You can also find a recipe for a multi-seed cracker that is simple to make and a highly nutritious replacement for wheat crackers. Add seeds to yoghurt smoothies and hot oatmeal breakfasts for a power-packed start to the day. All of these seeds are also excellent sources of fiber, which is often lacking in modern diets. Adding a variety of seeds to your regular diet can boost your brain health and your immune system and help to protect you from diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

A few commonly available seeds are worth noting. First among these is the diminutive chia seed. The chia seed is no longer the brunt of jokes from its Chia Pet fame. This little seed is loaded with protein, antioxidants, iron, calcium, vitamin C and omega-3 oil. Next comes hemp seed, which may be the richest source of essentially fatty acids available of any known food substance, including fish. The fatty acids in hemp seeds are provided in a form that is readily available to the body and similar to the form found in the body itself. It also includes all nine of the essential amino acids required by our bodies for optimal health.

Chia Seeds

Flax seeds are often used in weight loss diet plans to improve digestion by adding fiber and suppressing the appetite. The fatty acids in flax are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Pumpkins seeds are gaining in popularity because they produce alkaline rather than acidic material in your body. Pumpkin seeds also supply a lot of protein and vitamin B complex nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps to keep your mood balanced.

Flax Seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy cells. Sunflower seeds also provide magnesium and they are believed to help lower cholesterol. Finally, sesame seeds are mineral powerhouses, loaded with manganese, copper, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorous. They also provide vitamin B1 and are believed to have positive effects on lowering cholesterol.

Sunflower Seeds

The list of edible seeds is quite long and the flavors and textures are just as varied. Search for them in your local supermarket and have fun adding them to your favorite dishes and replacing some of your snacks with these highly nutritious choices. Take some with you when you travel and nutritious food options seem to be hard to find.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

7 Major Fish Oil Health Benefits

Fish oil benefits? You bet! Fish oil health benefits are important and wide-ranging. Proven by numerous clinical studies, fish oil benefits range from brain health to heart health to pregnancy health. Fish oil health benefits come primarily from the two Omega 3 essential fatty acids in fish oil -- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and to a lesser extent EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). 

While plant sources such as flax seed will provide the body with Omega 3 oil, the body must convert it into DHA and EFA, and that conversion can be difficult for some people or for elderly people. However, fish oil provides the body with DHA and EPA in a natural form that can easily be assimilated.

Here are seven major fish oil benefits:

1. Lowers blood triglycerides - high levels of triglycerides are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

2. Helps reduce likelihood of blood clots - fish oil benefits include the prevention of blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.

3. Lowers mild high blood pressure - fish oil helps lower blood pressure when it is due to high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

4. Reduces inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and gout - fish oil health benefits come from the DHA and EPA that reduce the amount of inflammation-causing substances.

5. Lowers risk of developing Altzheimer's Disease - studies have found that fish oil seems to help protect the nervous system.

6. Reduces depression rates - the lack of DHA has been linked to higher incidence rates of depression.

7. Improves immune system function - fish oil benefits and studies have linked lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer to the consumption of fish oil.

And there are even more fish oil benefits! 

From lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration to reducing the risk of osteoporosis to benefits for Type II diabetics, fish oil health benefits are truly spectacular. However, there are some precautions that you should be aware of when considering your sources for fish oils. Some fish oils can contain:

* Contaminants such as PCB's and heavy metals like mercury

* Additional additives to keep the fish oil from becoming rancid during the transporting and encapsulating process

* Low DHA levels

Inferior and contaminated fish oil products do exist, while at the same time fish oils are available that are harvested from pristine ocean waters. Be sure the fish oils you consume to enjoy fish oil health benefits contain high levels of DHA and EPA and are free from the heavy metals. Read as much as you can about even more fish oil benefits that provide an amazing array of health benefits.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Power Foods To Put Your Summer Energy On High

Are you more active in the summer? Do you need a boost of energy to get you through the day? I've got just the menu additions you need. The summer superfoods below are so easy to use that once you've tried them, you just might want to keep them on your grocery list all year long. Many are probably new to you, but you shouldn't have trouble finding them in your local health food store or online. Print out my handy list as a guide, and you're good to go - fast and strong, all summer long.

1) Whole Raw Organic Chia Seeds
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Remember Chia Pets? I promise you'll be more impressed and fascinated with this little seed as a food than the kitschy knickknack you saw on TV. The chia seed has long been known as a powerful dietary supplement. Even the ancient Aztecs recognized its ability to lend strength when eaten. 

These raw organic seeds are an excellent source of valuable omega fatty acids as well as an easily digestible form of protein, minerals, calcium, and fiber. And they have a lovely, pleasant texture. I add chia seeds to smoothies, salads, and stir fries for a little crunch.

2) Flax Cereals
OK, maybe cereals aren't always the best choice for breakfast, but sometimes that crunch (and let's not forget quick convenience during the weekday morning rush) is tempting. Cereals made primarily of flaxseed are a perfect compromise. Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 

At least two brands offer protein-rich, no-sugar options that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and lots of fiber. These choices are natural, tasty, and--did I mention this?--super crunchy.

3) Maca Powder
Maca root has been used for thousands of years for its nutrients and healing. Now studies are confirming its positive effect on the endocrine system to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. 

Photo: Andeannatural.com

This nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, essential minerals, and fatty and amino acids is easy to add to smoothies, shakes, tea, granola, cereal, and yogurt.

4) Organic Coconut Milk
We've long known about the benefits of coconut water and oil. I use coconut milk in my cooking now for a delicious, healthy fat addition with that fabulous creamy, coconut taste without sugar.

5) Nutritional Yeast
What tastes cheesy when sprinkled on popcorn and salads, has the B vitamins essential for vegetarians, and offers protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, lots of fiber, and minerals? Nutritional yeast, of course! 

Photo: Thegreencreator.com

There are many kinds of yeast, and some we avoid because it causes infections and discomfort. Nutritional yeast is quite the opposite: It's a natural supplement valued for its powerful punch.

6) Shelled Hempseed
Packed with protein, omegas, iron, zinc, and magnesium, shelled hempseed is also delicious. It imparts a flavor similar to pine nuts. Opt for a ground form of hempseed for a quick, tasty, and healthful addition to smoothies, cereal, soups, salads, and veggies.

Photo: Draxe.com

It's important to make wise choices among entrees, but simply adding ingredients like these can take your healthful meal from satisfactory to mouth-watering--and give your engine a high octane boost as well. Pick out a few and give them a try this week. You won't be disappointed!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Vegan Pancakes And Berry Smoothie | VIDEO

If you are looking for a light, tasty, summery meal that is easy to prepare and make, check out my summer Vegan Pancakes & Berry Smoothie recipe. It takes literally few minutes to prepare and you can have it at home or bring it with you as a delicious lunch to work or pack as a picnic on a day out.

Vegan Pancakes

To make 2-3 large pancakes you will need the following ingredients:

1 ripe banana
70 g organic porridge oats
2-3 tbsp mixed flaxseeds
Almond milk

Add all ingredients into a mixer and blitz into a smooth creamy mixture and make sure it is not too runny or the pancakes won't set and you will end up throwing the mixture out. less milk works the best and then add it slightly if the mixture is too thick.

Pour the mixture on the preheated frying pan which has been greased with coconut butter, coconut oil or nut oils if you are not allergic to them. Cook from both sides until golden brown.

Serve with a dollop of organic almond butter. You can add fresh berries or other fresh fruit, yogurt, honey or tahini (a lighter spread if you find almond butter is too rich for your taste) before serving.

Berry Smoothie

Smoothies are a really great and delicious way how to hydrate your body during summer. As some people find it difficult to drink water, smoothies can be a perfect alternative. I would always recommend coconut water as it is so much better and will give your body more hydration which is so vital to the health. I always get my coconut water in Aldi supermarkets as they offer the best price.

To make a large glass of berry smoothie for 1 person you will need the following ingredients:

1/2 ripe banana
Handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries
Coconut water

Put all the ingredients into a mixer or Nutri Magic Bullet and blend into a smooth liquid mixture, this is brilliant way how to blend solids, fruits, nuts and seeds. Add more coconut water if it is too thick. Serve chilled.

Summer is the perfect time to try lots of great, delicious and easy foods that are made from organic fruits and berries that you can find in your local farmer's markets, health stores or supermarkets. Be creative, try mixing together different ingredients and enjoy healthy fresh meals!