Flax Seed as Whole Grain

!±8± Flax Seed as Whole Grain

Much hype has been put into the health benefits of consuming whole grain foods in the last few years; many Americans have been quick to reform their diets in view of the growing incidences of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. However, finding whole grain products does not come easy with most grocery stores lining their shelves with pasta, pastries, chips, and premixed food items that have been manufactured using refined grains. Apart from that, the typical high fat and low fiber diets that come enriched by refined sugars and carbohydrates only expose consumers to a threshold of health risks.

Nevertheless, the clamor for whole grain products and its health benefits has instituted relevant dietary guidelines from the federal government, and influenced food manufacturers to release a number of food products into the mainstream prepared with whole grains such as wheat, wild rice, and oats among others. Studies reveal that refined grains no longer contain the complete nutritional components of fiber, trace minerals, vitamins, and unsaturated fats found in whole grains, despite fortification and enrichment.

Surprising is the exclusion of ground flax seed from the roster of essential whole grains, despite its high nutritional content. Flax seed actually manifests all of the properties and essential nutritional components typical of a whole grain. A consumption of milled flax seed provides the benefit of fiber, lignans, and essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly Omega 3. In fact, flax seed happens to be the richest plant source for Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and the naturally occurring compound called lignans that helps prevent the onset of certain cancers.

Dietary fibers abound in the bran of the flax seed, a plant nutrient that promotes stool movement and gastrointestinal health while preventing colon cancer in the process of helping rid the large intestines of wastes and harmful toxins. Break the kernel through a cold milling process or through a simple grind and what you will obtain is a tantamount of health benefits in the name of Omega 3 that is abundant with flax seed oil. The fatty acid Omega 3 helps regulate the bodys metabolic, digestive, and cardiovascular functions. A few ounces of milled flax seed each day leads to healthy weight management as well as regular cholesterol and blood glucose readings.

Whole grain status or not, flax seed and flax seed oil rightfully deserves its place as a health food supplement in your diet. Get into the flax habit today and let its kernels nourish your body like whole grain!