Flax Seed

[Paul Wilson]

What is Flax Seed?

Flax seeds are a great source of fiber, lignans, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source of fiber, lignans, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. We will examine each of these nutrients.

Fiber

Flax seeds are an excellent source of fiber. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. They also contain a special fiber called mucilage. Mucilage helps stabilize blood sugar levels, protects against bowel cancer, and is a natural laxative.

Dietary fiber is important because it keeps the digestive system functioning properly. It enhances our body's ability to use other dietary nutrients. Fiber goes through our digestive tract almost completely undigested. Once it reaches the colon and/or the large intestine, fiber is then broken down.

Dieting lacking sufficient fiber can lead to:
Chronic Constipation (That can't be fun)
Hypertension
Cancer
Weight Control problems
Heart Disease
Diabetes

Lignans

Lignans are natural plant chemicals. They are molecules with anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. Flax seeds are the richest source of lignans. Diets high in lignans can lead to a lower chance of getting colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

These plant hormones are also believed to block the formation of hormone based tumors. Lignans also boost the productions of a substance attached to estrogen and carries it out of the body.

Researchers also believe lignans to have antioxidant properties. Flax seed has 75 to 800 percent more lignans than other vegetables and grains! Making flax seed worth the investment.

Vitamins and Minerals

The vitamins and minerals found in flax seeds are zinc, iron, vitamin E, carotene, B-group vitamins, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silicon, copper, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and cobalt.

Protein

For every 100 grams of flax seeds, you get about 25-30 grams of protein, which is great considering the other nutrients you get along with this.

Fat

Flax seed is one of the best sources for the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid. Alpha linolenic acid is so important for bodybuilders because it "enhances insulin sensitivity within muscle cells." (1) This omega-3 fatty acid also has many other beneficial effects:

[Kurt]

I think there should be another section on this site, an 'Articles' section for people to post their articles to, sections like this should be left for questions and comments, etc.

moderators?

peace.

[Paul Wilson]

I agree?

[RobertG]

For every 100 g of flax seed you'll also get about 50 g of fat. And I'm pretty sure you don't want 50 g of omega-3's everyday. I'll have to check this somewhere, but I believe there is a ratio of omega fatty acids to other fats that you want to maintain. Also, you can't really eat 100 g of flax seed in one sitting. Well, maybe you could, but I think it would get kind of nasty. A tablespoon on top of some oatmeal or a couple tablespoons in a protein shake is fine. A big pile of the stuff? Ick.

And its not an ideal protein supplement. A 100 g of whey will give you like 85 g of protein (not that you'd want that much protein in one sitting anyway). At a 100 g a serving you'll go through a bag of flax in about 3 or 4 servings. At about $9/bag, you're looking at $90/month for flax.

All that said, flax is great, but used as a supplement, not a staple food.

[Kurt]

Originally posted by RobertG
For every 100 g of flax seed you'll also get about 50 g of fat. And I'm pretty sure you don't want 50 g of omega-3's everyday. I'll have to check this somewhere, but I believe there is a ratio of omega fatty acids to other fats that you want to maintain. Also, you can't really eat 100 g of flax seed in one sitting. Well, maybe you could, but I think it would get kind of nasty. A tablespoon on top of some oatmeal or a couple tablespoons in a protein shake is fine. A big pile of the stuff? Ick.

And its not an ideal protein supplement. A 100 g of whey will give you like 85 g of protein (not that you'd want that much protein in one sitting anyway). At a 100 g a serving you'll go through a bag of flax in about 3 or 4 servings. At about $9/bag, you're looking at $90/month for flax.

All that said, flax is great, but used as a supplement, not a staple food.

Agreed on the comment about 50g of omega-3's, don't think he suggested to use it for a ground bases of protein in hes macronutrient build up, least I hope not.

[Paul Wilson]

It dosn't just contain omega fats. It contains other esential fats that the body needs.

[Paul Wilson]

It doesn’t just contain omega fats. It contains other essential fats that the body needs.

I take one tablespoon in the morning, One after school and the before bed. I don't put my flax seed onto oatmeal or porridge as we Brits call it. I just take it down with a glass of water. I try to eat a meal before it so it will digest more efficiently.

[allswoledup]

Why be scared of fat?

Since I've incorperated flaxseed,cold water fish,and nut butters I've done nothing but drop bodyfat,my level of strength in lifts have gone up and I actually eat less.

My joint pain is pretty much gone as well.

I still very suprised at the lack of knowledge in the are of supplementing with healty fat intake that would not only improve
atheletes performance,but everyone's health as well.

[kh_s]

this safe for 15 year old kid to take ? Because I was shocked my mom brought home a bag of it, JUST NOW

Also does it make you take a crap in the morning because I hate going at school their toilets are dirty and I will be even more late in the morning if I go for a crap at that time, heh