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i really want to tell someone the benifits of Flax. Flax Flax seeds are an excellent source of fiber. They contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. They also have a special fiber called mucilage. Mucilage is a natural laxative and used to stabilize blood sugar levels, fiber is important because it keeps the digestive system functioning properly. Flax enhances our body's ability to use other dietary nutrients. Dieting with out sufficient fiber can lead to: ·Weight Control problems ·Chronic Constipation Lignans Lignans are natural plant chemicals. Flax seeds are the richest source of lignans. Lignans 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. Lignans are naturally occurring chemicals widespread within the plant and animal kingdoms. Several lignans—with intimidating names such as secoisolariciresinol—are considered to be phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen. These are especially abundant in Flax Seeds. Bacteria in our intestines convert them into two other lignans, enterolactone and enterodiol, which also have estrogen-like effects. In this article, the term "lignans" refers to these two specific lignans as well as the phytoestrogen kind, but not to the wide variety of other lignans. Researchers believe these plant hormones mimic the body’s own estrogen type of cells and can block the formation of hormone-based tumors or growths. Unlike the hormones produced in the body, these plant hormones do not stimulate cancerous cells to grow. In fact, lignans boost production of a substance that fastens onto human estrogen and carries it out of the body. They are also considered to be anti-oxidants, therefore, researchers believe lignans can protect healthy cells from cancer causing agents (known as free radicals). Research findings continue to show promise in this area. Flax seed is certainly considered to be a veritable storehouse of lignans when compared with other foods. Many plant foods have some lignans, yet flaxseed has proven to be the super-food in this area, with boasting anywhere from 75 to 800 times the amount of lignan content as other grain and vegetable sources. In fact, to get the lignans that are in just 1/8 cup of flax seed, you would need to eat about 60 cups of fresh broccoli, or 100 slices of whole-wheat bread. Lignans are being studied for possible use in cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer. Like other phytoestrogens (such as soy isofayones), they hook onto the same spots on cells where estrogen attaches. If there is little estrogen in the body (after menopause, for example), lignans may act like weak estrogen; but when natural estrogen is abundant in the body; lignans may instead reduce estrogen's effects by displacing it from cells. This displacement of the hormone may help prevent those cancers, such as breast cancer, that depend on estrogen to start and develop. In addition, at least one test tube study suggests that lignans may help prevent cancer in ways that are unrelated to estrogen Requirements/Sources The richest source of lignans is flax seed (sometimes called linseed), containing more than 100 times the amount found in other foods! Flaxseed oil, however, does not contain appreciable amounts of lignans. Sesame seed is an equally rich source. Other food sources are pumpkin seeds, whole grains, cranberries, and black or green tea Therapeutic Dosages Effective dosages of purified lignans have not been determined. In studies of flaxseed as a source of lignans, flaxseed has been taken at a dose of 5 to 38 g daily. Cooking flaxseed apparently does not decrease the amount of lignans absorbed by the body. Therapeutic Uses A number of preliminary human and animal studies suggest that lignans may be helpful for cancer prevention, particularly of breast and colon cancer, as well reduction of cholesterol. Other highly preliminary research suggests that flaxseeds or lignans may decrease menopausal symptoms and improve kidney function in various types of kidney disease (specifically, lupus nephritis and polycystic kidney disease). Warning: Flaxseed or other treatments for kidney disease should be taken only under a doctor's supervision, due to the serious nature of these disorders. Despite positive preliminary results in animal studies, a small double-blind, placebo controlled study in humans failed to find lignans helpful for improving cholesterol profiles What Is the Scientific Evidence for Lignans? Cancer Prevention/Treatment The most promising use for lignans is in cancer prevention. According to observational studies, people who eat more lignan-containing foods have a lower incidence of breast and perhaps colon cancer. This, however, does not prove that lignans are the cause of the benefit, for other factors in these foods, or in the characteristics of the people who consume these foods, may have been responsible. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are necessary to prove that a medical treatment provides benefits, and none have yet been reported for lignans. (For information on why this type of study is so important, see Why Does This Database Rely on Double-blind Studies?) Nonetheless, animal studies offer additional support for a potential cancer-preventive or even cancer-treatment effect. Several studies showed that lignan-rich foods or lignans found in flax inhibited breast and colon cancer in animals and reduced metastases from melanoma (a type of skin cancer) in mice. Test tube studies have found that flaxseed or one of its lignans inhibited the growth of human breast cancer cells and that the lignans enterolactone and enterodiol inhibited the growth of human colon tumor cells. In many of these studies it isn't clear whether lignans are responsible for the benefit seen, as flaxseeds contain many other substances. Animal and human studies have begun to examine specific lignans, and results seem to confirm that at least some of the positive effects probably come from the lignans themselves; still, until more and better designed trials are done, we will not know lignans' precise effects on the human body, or the precise dose needed to prevent cancer. 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. The National Cancer Institute has identified golden flax seeds as a food product that deserves further study and attention because of its potential cancer fighting properties and many health benefits. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, golden flax seeds contain 27 identifiable cancer preventive compounds. Medical sources abound that have published clinical results concluding that golden flax seed can have a positive impact on your overall health. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggest adding flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil to your daily meal plan. These foods are high in an omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid and appear to lower triglyceride levels. Fatty fish, such as bluefish, salmon, halibut and sardines, also contain omega-3 fats. Including these fish two to three times a week may help keep triglyceride levels stable. ·Lowered blood cholesterol levels ·Lowered high blood pressure ·Increased energy, vitality, and stamina ·Increased sense of calmness under stress ·Reduced threat of blood clots ·Protection against cancers, particularly hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate ·Better regulation of blood sugar levels ·Eases inflammatory tissue conditions, including arthritis ·Alleviation of dry skin, eczema and psoriasis ·Enhanced immune system ·Increased metabolic rate with a positive impact on weight management ·Helps with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) ·Natural laxative ·And the list goes on eatmoreflax.eatmoreflax.