Flax Seeds for Better Health!

Health Tip of the Week: The Flax plant, found in the Dakotas and state of Minnesota, is an annual plant that grows about a foot-and-a-half tall, with pale blue flowers and a small round fruit that has many "apple" like seeds. The flax is primarily used for its fibers and its seeds. The seeds of the flax plant are high in fiber, protein and the essential omega-three fatty acids. Flax seeds are often pressed into oil, called flax seed oil, but also commonly known as Linseed oil. Flax seeds also contain high levels of lignans. Lignans act as anti-oxidants and have been shown to help the body combat heart disease, as well as different kinds of breast and prostate cancer. Flax seed oil, like its counter part, fish oil, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. The oil of flax seeds, taken on a regular basis, may help to ease joint pain. Flax seed oil consumption has also been shown to lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure and reduce cancer risks. A last fact that is not widely known is that flax seed oil is wonderful for the skin, and has been beneficial for people suffering from dryness, acne, eczema and psoriasis. Liquid flax seed oil is easily found in commercial shopping areas. One teaspoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight is the suggested daily dosage. The flax seed, itself, has a nutty taste and can be sprinkled on salads, yogurts, cereals and soups. Even ice cream!

Thought for the Week: "Wherever flaxseeds becomea regular food item among the people, there will be better health." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractic is a profession with a limited scope of practice that has broad body implications. Holding forth the concept that only the body heals, chiropractors can accept any case as long as they have a vertebral subluxation. For as long as a subluxation can be reduced, improving the nervous systems communication, the body itself may augment its own innate forces to heal."
--------- Fred Barge, D.C.