*The subtitle of this post is my way of comparing the pros and cons of organic foods and their by-products, so righteous for us, that we are willing to pay double for their presence on our shelves, on our bodies and in our stomachs.
We should strive to trust but verify any new or exciting food or product claims before incorporating them into our lives. The first of these spot-lighted claims is shining over Flax– the wunderkind of plants.
Did You Know?
The versatile flax plant has been used by man for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of human ingenuity with undomesticated flax goes back 30,000 years to the country of Georgia where the Dzudzuana Cave protected and preserved evidence of wild flax fibers; spun, dyed and knotted.
The Egyptians were extremely fond of its durability as a textile, specifically linen. Evidence of its use were depicted in the paintings of flowering flax on temple walls and the linen used to wrap mummies. Egyptian priests (and royalty) wore only linen as it was considered a symbol of purity.
Linen was also used by the Romans in the making of sails and was so favored by Charlemagne (c.742-814), that an edict was proclaimed, ordering the wearing of linen cloth due to its cleanliness and hygienic qualities. He also favored flax oil as a means to a healthier life. Consequently, The County of Flanders, became the pulse and major production center of linen during the Middle Ages
Oddly, in one of the original fairy tales of Sleeping Beauty by Giambattista Basile (1566-1632); “Sun, Moon and Talia”, the beautiful princess pricks her finger, not on a spindle, but on a sliver of flax sucked out by her children conceived as she sleeps. Wow, did this story sweeten over time!
The Pilgrims introduced flax to North America where it remained prevelant until the cheaper production of cotton in the 20th century replaced its popularity.
Basics
Flax is grown for its oil, nutritional properties, ingredient in many wood finishing products and use as a natural garden plant. It’s fibers are a wonder and oil essential in paints and varnish, linoleum and printing. Its high fiber content has been used in animal feed, predominately for cattle and introduced into chicken feed to produce flax infused eggs.
Flax seed oil, commonly know as linseed oil, produces one of the oldest commercial oils. Edible oil is extracted by expeller processing. Solvent oil extraction has been used for centuries as a drying agent in painting and varnishing.
Flax fiber is soft and billowy and the flexible bales have the appearance of blonde hair, thus the term flaxen. It is stronger than cotton but less elastic. The best grades of the textile are used for linen fabrics, damasks, lace and sheeting. Course grades are used in the production of twine, rope, canvas and webbing. Raw flax fiber is also used in the production of high-end paper products such as stationary, banknotes, cigarette paper and tea bags.
Nutritional Benefits
Flax seeds have high levels of dietary fibers, lignan and are flush with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.
They have been claimed to: lower cholesterol levels; benefit those with breast or prostate cancer; lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels; have laxative properties; are used for pain control and nerve function, primarily carpal tunnel syndrome; and lowers the concentration of pro inflammatory oxylipens.
One of the main ingredients in our little flax wonder is lignan, which contains plant estrogen as well as antioxidants; 800 times as much as any other plant food. The anti-oxidant benefits have been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease and decreased insulin resistance. The ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid) in flaxseed converts into omega-3’s in the body.
In recent studies, flaxseed had a positive effect on the decrease of central obesity and are included in many modern dietary recipes.
The following food rating chart was taken from The World’s Healthiest Foods blog on flax:
2 tablespoons of flaxseed or meal has:
75 calories
Omega-3 fats…………………………..133%
Vitamin B……………………………….19%
Copper………………………………….. 19%
Manganese…………………………….. 18%
Fiber………………………………………15%
Magnesium…………………………….. 14%
Phosphorus……………………………. 13%
Selenium……………………………….. 6%
There are so many delicious recipes to incorporate the wonders of flax; I recommend going to pinterest for the best I’ve found. One such, is a great granola receipe in the Fat Girl Trapped in a Skinny Girl blog.
Be Wise Grasshopper
It’s amazing how little flax is needed to gain so many health benefits. But like with almost anything, moderation is the key and too much, too often, leads to serious consequences:
Ground flaxseed is perishable and can become rancid after just one week. Refrigeration is required after opening and always check the expiry date on the package. Whole seeds last longer on the shelf (6-12 months), but again, always check package expiry dates.
Flaxseed and cruciferous vegetables contain cyanide. While cyanide is considered a poison, humans naturally have trace amounts of it undergoing metabolism in their tissues constantly. Linamarin and lotaustralin are two primary cyanogenic glycoside found in flaxseed. However, as long as our metabolism processes are not overloaded and we are in basic good health, 2 Tbs a day is a reasonable dosage. Again, don’t over do a good thing!
Do not use flax whether seed or ground in excess without ample quantities of water. Since it is a fiber, too much consumption can cause bloating, gas, or in rare cases, bowel obstruction and death. (Popcorn can have similar complications.)
Consuming large amounts may also impair the effectiveness of certain oral medications. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements in tandem with prescribed medications.
In a small Canadian study, children with high cholesterol who consumed 4 Tbs of flaxseed daily for 4 weeks showed an increase in blood levels of triglycerides and decreased levels of HDL’s or good cholesterol. Check with your doctor before adding new foods or supplements to your child’s diet as they might be contraindicated to their medications. Always “trust but verify”.
The Just Right
I personally take flax daily and really can’t tell if it is working in all the mysterious and wonderful ways others proclaim, but I am within my BMI range of weight, work out regularly and am feelin’ good. Is it the flax? Maybe a little.
Next post: Tea Is For Me
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Flax
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81
http://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-of-flaxseed WebMD
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