FLAX - Food For Thought
The next time you are driving through the prairies and you see a pretty purple field of flax, think about how flaxseeds can benefit you.

Flaxseeds are very high in secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SLD). Ingesting two tablespoons (approximately 50 gms) of ground flaxseed per day helps to maintain the health of the following:

• the female reproductive organs
• the prostate
• helps to lower blood cholesterol levels
• promotes liver and gall bladder function
• enhances large bowel health - keeps you regular!
• reversal of fibrocystic breast disease
• contributes to bone density
• maintains the texture of the skin

Is Flaxseed powder the same as Flaxseed Oil?
No. Flaxseed powder (ground) contains phytoestrogens. This helps to improve female and male reproductive health, lower cholesterol, promote liver and gallbladder function and it regulates the large bowel.

Flaxseed oil is a big source of the Omega-3 fat called alpha linoleic acid. These help slow down the replication rate of breast, prostate and colon cells.

Flaxseed Preparation
Flaxseed can be bought whole or ground. Buying whole flaxseed requires it to be ground in a coffee grinder. Ground flaxseeds can be sprinkled on cereal or mixed into a bowl of yogurt or even into a glass of juice. The recommended daily servings should be between 40-50 grams.