Flax and Diabetes: Taking Health to the Next Level :

Have you heard of Flaxseeds? If not, you could be missing a wonderful food that provides protection from two conditions that are more common in people with diabetes: heart disease and cancer.

Over 25 studies have shown that flaxseeds can reduce the risk for heart disease. Specifically, flax lowers total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Additionally, natural compounds within flax make arteries more elastic and can have stabilizing effects on heart rhythm. Collectively, these benefits reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes, both common complications of diabetes.

As for cancer, flaxseed appears to reduce tumor size and number in breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Flaxseeds increase the amount of healthy estrogens while reducing levels of harmful estrogens. This may be one reason why hormone related cancers seem to respond particularly well to flax.

The main compounds which are though to account for much of the impressive health benefits of flax are ALA (alpha linoleic acid) and lignans. It is remarkable that there are no other plant foods known which contain such high levels of either of these powerful agents. ALA is a well-known plant precursor to EPA and DHA, the valuable types of fats known as omega-3’s which are normally found pre-formed in fish or fish oil. ALA can convert in small amounts to EPA and DHA.

The lignans found in flaxseeds contain a powerful antioxidant called SDG. SDG has been shown to slow down and reduce the development of diabetes in genetically predisposed rats. SDG from flaxseeds has also been shown to have protective effects on the kidney and prevent fat deposits in the liver of rats as well, two common problems that can occur in individuals with diabetes.

Flaxseeds are also an excellent remedy for constipation. With the American diet already being woefully low in fiber, flaxseeds can add more of this important element into the diet.

Flaxseeds can be found whole, ground, or pressed into flaxseed oil. The most beneficial way to consume flaxseed is ground. Whole flaxseeds are not able to be broken down by the digestive system. Grinding or crushing is needed to break open the seed so that the valuable nutrients and protective plant compounds can be liberated and used by the body.

Flaxseed oil lacks the beneficial fibers, nutrients, and lignans normally found in whole ground flax. Not only that, but according to flax expert, Jane Reinhardt-Martin, RD, a person would need to take eight pills to get the equivalent of only a ½ teaspoon of ground flaxseeds. Those using flaxseed oil capsules would need to ingest 10-14 pills just to get the equivalent of one tablespoon of flaxseed oil! Clearly, ground flaxseeds are the least expensive and most beneficial way to add flax into your diet.

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