| The flax plant, an ancient crop, yields the fiber from | | | | as a finely tuned machine. When one portion is |
| which linen is woven, as well as seeds and oil. The oil, | | | | compromised it affects the efficiency of other |
| also called linseed oil, has many industrial uses-it is an | | | | necessary functions. Therefore it is sensible to know |
| important ingredient in paints, varnishes, and linoleum, for | | | | as much as you can about how your body functions |
| example. Flaxseed oil also comes in an edible form, | | | | and how you can contribute to your overall health with |
| sold mostly at health-food stores. Like olive, canola, and | | | | wise, sensible and long-lasting dietary and exercise |
| most other plant oils, it is highly unsaturated and | | | | habits. |
| heart-healthy. And flaxseeds have yet another very | | | | How About Soybeans? |
| interesting component-lignans-which may have | | | | Soybeans contain compounds called phytoestrogens |
| anti-cancer properties. | | | | that are related in structure to estrogen, though the |
| Flaxseed Has Alpha Linolenic Acids | | | | estrogenic activity of soy is quite weak according to |
| Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made the | | | | some reports. Soy is known to affect the menstrual |
| ancient flax seed become our modern miracle food. | | | | cycle in premenopausal women. Researchers have |
| Alpha linolenic acid is a type of omega 3 fatty acid, | | | | linked societies with high consumption of soy products |
| similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits | | | | to a low incidence of hot flashes during menopause. In |
| of flax seed as shown in many studies include | | | | one double-blind trial, 60 grams of soy protein caused |
| lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad | | | | a 33% decrease in the number of hot flashes after |
| cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flax seed | | | | four weeks and a 45% reduction after 12 weeks. |
| may also help lower blood triglyceride (Also Read: | | | | However, in further analysis of the data in this trial, |
| How to lower Triglycerides?) and blood pressure. | | | | researchers now believe constituents in soybeans |
| When it comes to health issues, one is often faced | | | | other than phytoestrogens must have been |
| with the chicken and the egg dilemma of "which | | | | responsible for the therapeutic effect. |
| comes first"". Again, it is helpful to think of your body | | | | |