Monday, March 22, 2010

Organic Golden Flaxseed Overview

A lot is said about organic golden flax seed in commercials. However, do we really know everything we need to know about what it is and how it impacts our health? Organic flaxseed is obtained from an annual plant called the flax plant, which is around 1.2 meters in height and has lean stalks. Two kinds of seeds come from this plant, brown and golden. The brown seeds are more often used for paint, solvents, linseed oil, cattle feed, and fiber, while it’s the golden seeds that are eaten, as most people prefer their color and some believe they have nuttier flavor.

A lot of nutrients can be found in organic flax seed, such as anti-oxidants, magnesium, most B-vitamins, fiber, and fatty acids. Among its positive effects on the body are: reduced cancer, diabetes and heart disease risks, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, a boosted immune system, lessened arthritis pain, relief from diarrhea and constipation, stabilized blood sugar, weight management enhancement, as well as hormone-balancing, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects.

They come in various forms: whole, ground, as oil, or can be sold as powders and capsules. For best results, however, get it in whole seed form, as it has the highest nutritional value. Purchased seeds that have already been ground don’t possess the same value since they have been exposed to oxygen.

To incorporate organic golden flaxseed in your diet, you can just grind them in a coffee grinder or blender and add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of it in your cereal or juice. You can also try adding them to your meatballs, casseroles, and meatloaf. Another suggestion is to put them on breads, pastries, salads or yoghurt.

When taking organic flaxseed, don’t forget to constantly drink water. Also, just have a little at first, then gradually add more to your diet as the weeks roll on, because its high fiber content can often have a laxative effect.

The seeds can be stored for up to a year in room temperature as long as they’re preserved whole. As much as possible, only grind them when needed. Once ground, seal them in an air-tight container; these must be consumed within a few days, however. If not used in days, you can keep them in the freezer for a month. The exception is MeadowPure processed flaxseed which can be stored for up to 5 years whole or up to 2 years if milled.

Organic golden flax seed comes from the flax plant, and is one of two varieties of seeds; the other variety is brown. These are rich in nutrients and have numerous health benefits. These organic flaxseeds come in different forms, but the whole ones contain the most nutritional value, and once ground, can be included in many recipes. Water must always be taken with these seeds, and intake shouldn’t be rushed. Proper storage is also important.

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