This Super Seed Fights Cancer and Diabetes
In a recent article, published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, scientists evaluated current research on flax seed and concluded that it may provide significant health benefits.
Interest in flax seed has increased thanks to its naturally occurring nutrition: 59% of its omega-3-rich oil contains alinolenic acid (ALA), there are plant lignans called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) that have antioxidant effects, as well as estrongenic and antiestrogenic compounds. These compounds make flax seed an immune boosting force.
Once SDG is ingested, the colon converts it into compounds that have promised to reduce cancer cell growth, especially those fueled by hormones — breast, prostate and endomtrium cancers. While large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine whether there are any adverse effects to consuming the seed in large quantities and to support the role of flax seed in cancer prevention, it’s effect on diabetes management is more clear cut.
Basically, flax seed’s soluble fiber can help reduce insulin resistance and help steady blood glucose levels. Studies have found that consuming 40 to 50 grams of ground flax seed daily might decrease blood glucose levels. (Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2010, 9(3): 261-269.)
The average recommended dose is 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. This should help you get the benefits you need from this super seed. You can also get many of the benefits of flax from flax seed oil, which is available as a supplement, both as a liquid and in capsules.
