In diabetics on glucose lowering drugs there is some evidence that suggest that flaxseed oil may increase fasting blood sugar levels. Also, for men concerned about prostate health, some studies have shown a possible link between the ALA fatty acids in flaxseed oil and prostate cancer. In general, omega-3 fish oils have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health so I wonder if you have some sort of special situation that would cause your internist to recommend against it.
Loaded with alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation, flaxseed has been used for centuries for medicinal and health reasons. Gandhi proclaimed, "Wherever flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health." The seed itself has terrific nutritional value, very usable protein, tremendous fatty acids, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Additionally, they're a great source of fiber.
Hi there.
As far as I know, studies about flax seed and cancer are still in their infancy stage. The cancer more frequently associated with this is prostate cancer. I'm quoting this text from the american cancer society website:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Flaxseed_Ginseng_Show_Promise_for_Cancer_Patients.
However, testing indicates that for many non-Spirulina blue-green algal products, harvested from natural lakes, consumption according to manufacturers directions results in a daily intake of microcystins above that considered acceptable by Health Canada and the World Health Organization. Microcystins are toxins which accumulate in the liver and can cause liver damage. They are naturally produced by some kinds of blue-green algae.
What vitamins and minerals are good for eye health and what are the optimal amounts?
As far as I know, Vitamin A, beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, lutein, and billberry are good for eyes.
flaxseed contains three ingredients that aid in maintaining heart health. Flaxseed is rich with the plant form of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, which contain both
plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities, plus soluble and insoluble fiber. Flaxseed seems to help not only with a person’s cholesterol profile but even in maintaining heart rhythm.
Organic grape juice, apples, and other foods that contain pectin help eliminate cholesterol
through the gut. Garlic has a mild effect as well.
The Budwig diet is mainly composed of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese with restrictions on eating animal meats, butter and sugars. Some holistic health enthusiasts believe that cancer patients are deficient in essential lipids that cottage cheese mixed with flaxseed can replace. The scientific journal “Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift” published a study in 2012 that determined that cancer diets, such as the Budwig, diet do not cure cancer and can have adverse health effects.
I added 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to my diet for the past year. I was very discouraged when I received the results of my lipid panel results. Last year: total chol.=238, trig.=59, HDL=101, LDL=125. This year: total chol.=240, trig.=67, HDL=98, LDL=128. My bad numbers went up and my good number (HDL) went down. Why?
(I am a 60 year old female. I exercise regularly (jog and ballet), I am 5'2" and weigh 92 pounds.
I also do yoga/stretches for stress reduction. Be sure to take your vitamins. I read flaxseed and garlic is good.
However, evening primrose oil offers a wide array of purported benefits, including treating many ailments like breast pain, hot flashes, premenstrual symptoms (PMS), skin disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and hormonal imbalance.
The Evening Primrose is a wildflower (not actually a primrose, though it is similar in appearance). Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the plant.
I do alright using flaxseed meal rather than the psyllium based fibers that you mentioned. I can use just a little in water, like the fiber drinks, or just sprinkle a little on my food. It's an actual food product and it has nutritional benefits, like omega 3. I buy the Bob's Red Mill that is available at Trader Joe's, because it's more affordable. It's already ground flaxseed meal.
I haven't heard of the Heather's Tummy Fibers, so I'll have to look for that.
When my wife was preparing for an operation, her lab work showed her liver counts to be very high, near 200. The Dr. said, many things eaten could raise these levels. They wanted to know if she had eaten cereal with flaxseed and said flaxseed could have a large effect. I mention this so you'll know if it happens to you.
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