So What's The Rave About: FLAX SEEDS



Ok...it is so amazing that a tiny little seed has so many benefits. Not only is flaxseed good for your internal health, but it is an excellent external goody as well. I must say, when I was struggling with a bout of high blood pressure after the birth of my third child, the doctor prescribed a high blood pressure medicine in order to lower my post partum mishap. I took immediate action, prayed and asked God for knowledge on finding a natural alternative and behold I was led to this seedy goodness! Needless to say, after taking the flaxseed oil daily, at my next doctor visit, my blood pressure was back to normal..yaay! I'm definitely an advocate of trusting His natural goodness over man's chemicals.

Before I get into the uses of this seedy wonder, let's, first, look at the benefits.

The Benefits of Flaxseeds:

• An excellent source of protein and fiber.
• Including flaxseed in your daily diet can help you manage your weight. Besides stabilizing your sugar levels , flax expands five times in bulk when ingested. Flax taken half an hour before meals will help you eat less, so you will lose weight while simultaneously strengthening your immune system.
  
• Flax seed, with its high concentration of lignans, is a great choice for all women, whether younger, middle-aged, or older, as a natural way to normalize the menstrual cycle, manage menopause, and lower the risk of osteoporosis , cancer and heart disease.
  
• Flax seeds help Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease - It aids in decreasing the so-called "bad" cholesterol. Increase the "good" cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, suppress the development of atherosclerosis and inflammation, and enhances blood vessel tone.
• The insoluble fibre in flax seed is helpful in regulating bowel movements, increasing the frequency of bowel movements, and preventing or treating bowel irregularities and constipation.
• Flax seeds help with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
• Flax seeds enhance the immune system.
• Alleviates dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
• Protects against cancer, especially hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostrate.
• Reduces the threat of blood clots.
• Increases sense of calmness under stress.
• Lowers high blood pressure.
• Flax seeds fights Diabetes.

Flax seeds and the skin and hair: Facials and Hair Goodies to try

• Rosemary and Flaxseed Facial Mask

You will need:
1/2 cup of flaxseeds, 2 cups of water, Rosemary Essential Oil

Directions:
Bring water to a boil then remove from heat. Add flax seed and allow to steep for about 30
minutes, when the mixture becomes a gel, remove the seeds. Allow to cool, then add 3 drops
of Rosemary Essential Oil to your mask. Apply the mask to your face and allow to sit for 5-10
minutes. Rinse face with cool water and lightly pat dry (I use a papertowel to pat my face dry).

Benefits:
The Flax seed facial mask imparts nutrients in your skin that will help keep it smooth and
hydrated. The Rosemary Oil helps to clean, calm and prevent breakouts on the skin.

• Flaxseed Gel

You Will Need:
Flax Seeds, Cheesecloth or cloth napkin ( I use a new pair of pantyhose for a strainer),
strong paper towel, essential oil of your choice for fragrance, Vitamin E (preservative)

Directions:
Take 2 TBSP of flax seeds and one cup of distilled water. Place them in a small sauce pan
and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool
completely. Don't stir the mixture. Strain the mixture through a cheese cloth, papertowel, or
pantyhose to remove the flaxseeds. Cool the gel completely before adding your favorite
essential oil (lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, etc) and Vitamin E. Enjoy!

Where to buy: Whole Foods, any health food store, any farmer's market.

A wonderful way to enjoy your flax seeds is to add them to a protein shake, add 2 TSP to your favorite natural juice or water, sprinkle over your salad.

Happy Health