Flaxseed provides several health benefits due to its high concentration of essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It can help improve nerve and brain health, regulate blood sugar levels, support weight loss and heart health. Research also shows flaxseed may help fight cancer and support skin, hair and colon health. However, flaxseed oil can interact with some medications and the seeds have a strong taste that is not appealing to all.

1. Flaxseed… Is It All Hype? Find Out Why Everyone Is Taking Flaxseed and Is It For Real… Presented By: Taylor Ryan, NASM Certified Personal Trainer Check Out More At The Art Of Weight Lifting

2. First things first… What Are Flaxseeds? Flaxseeds are actually harvested from the same plant that gives us linen, the flax plant (also referred to as linseed plant). Yup … those sheets on the bed are related to the flaxseed you sprinkle in your cereal. http://www.sacredearth.com

3. What Are Flaxseeds Flax is packages in two different varieties: oil and seeds (whole or ground). When it comes to the oil, you can also find it packaged in capsule form.

4. What Makes Them Stand Apart From Other Cultivated Seeds? High concentrations of: omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and omega-9 nonessential fatty acids . Essential What? EFA’s (essential fatty acids) are required by the body but must be obtained through the diet Other foods include: Fish, olive oil, nuts, beans, & avocados

5. Flax Stands Apart From The Others Besides EFA’s Flaxseeds are rich in: Antioxidants B vitamins Potassium Lecithin Zinc Magnesium Fiber

6. The Benefits Of Flaxseeds The list goes on and on… these are the big 7 supported with data 1. Nerve and brain health: The fatty acids help to keep the brain and it’s plumbing healthy. Nerves stay covered with a nice layer of fat … which makes for a happy nervous system. http://images.nigms.nih.gov

7. Benefits Of Flaxseed 2. Help regulate blood sugar: Magnesium is an essential (must get it in your food) nutrient that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are under control and not spiking up and down, it is easier to lose weight and decrease fat storage. 3. Weight loss: Flaxseeds have great oxidative abilities to help increase metabolism. With a proper, well-balanced nutrition and workout program weight will come off easier.

8. Benefits Of Flaxseed 4. Heart health: Just like the plumbing of the nervous system, flaxseed also helps the cardiovascular system. It acts to thin the blood to prevent clotting and helps cholesterol. Research shows that due to its low- saturated fat content, and its high poly-unsaturated fat … flax is helpful at lowing LDL (bad) cholesterol while having minimal affect on the HDL (good) cholesterol. Image from http:/www.herdaily.com

9. Benefits Of Flaxseed 5. Skin and hair health: Omega-6 is linked to increased hair growth and maintenance. As well as skin and bone health. For more from Taylor Ryan, go to http://www.fitness-analyzer.com

10. Benefits Go On and On 6. Natural cancer fighter: flaxseeds are a rich source of a chemical called: secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SD) …don’t worry you will not be tested on the word … but know that because of this source, flaxseeds decrease risks of developing certain types of cancers … 7. Colon health: A study carried out at the University of Toronto showed a 30% increase in bowel movements per week in individuals that took regular doses of flaxseed. Regular movements decrease bloating, constipation, and even lower changes of colon cancer …

11. The Two Downfalls of Flax… What’s The Catch With All The Benefits? Research indicates that flaxseed oil can interact with prescription drugs by slowing the prescription’s absorption. It taste horrid… Flaxseeds and its oil has a very distinctive taste that reminds me of fish. In shakes and oatmeal, it will overpower the good flavors. The capsules are the easiest to handle. Other than these two pitfalls, there weren’t many negatives I found in my research. I am not a doctor and prior to starting any new drug or supplement it is best to consult your physician.

12. Resources The influence of flaxseed and lignans on colon carcinogenesis and ﾟ - glucuronidase activity. Mazda Jenab and Lilian U. Thompson 1 Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada Nutritional attributes of traditional flaxseed in healthy young adults. SC Cunnane, MJ Hamadeh, AC Liede, LU Thompson, TM Wolever and DJ Jenkins Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. Health-promoting properties of common herbs1,2. Winston J Craig. From the Department of Nutrition, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI. For More From Taylor, Head over to http://www.fitness-analyzer.com