Flax Seed HQ

Fiber is an Important Non-Energy Carbohydrate – What is Soluble and Insoluble Fiber?

flax lover — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:30:07 +0000

Fiber cannot be considered a nutrient. Fiber is a group of minerals and vitamins that work together. Alone, each of these minerals are normally not easily digested upon consumption. When they work together as a team in fiber, it can do wonders for your digestive tract, as well as your overall digestive and physical health. This is why plants and vegetables are very high in fiber. Without bones for a skeleton, fiber allows planet walls to grow and flourish while the plant stands as tall as it wants to.

There are two kinds of fiber; soluble and insoluble. Normally vegetables and plants are fiber-rich in both types, making them the best resource for fiber overall. The insoluble fiber-rich part of plants and vegetables are the outermost wall, which uses this insoluble fiber as a resource for scar tissue. The innards of a plant and vegetable are your resource of choice for soluble fibers. Foods that contain soluble and insoluble fiber often contain ingredients that are derived from plants, vegetables, and fruit.

The most common types of foods that contain both soluble and insoluble fibers are prunes and plums. As mentioned before, the skin of these fruits provides more insoluble fiber while the delicious pulp on the inside is a source of soluble fiber.

Soluble fiber is not only beneficial for your digestive system, but can support heart health, your immune system, as well as the proper absorption of minerals, which is necessary for an active lifestyle. If you’re looking for foods high in soluble fiber, consider oats, nuts, and vegetables. Additionally, fruit that grows from trees, including apples and pears are known to be soluble fiber-rich, making them a crucial player in your healthy diet.

If you’re looking to find food sources that are high in insoluble fighter, target the grain food group. Wheat bread, whole-wheat spaghetti, and cereals are all grains that are high in insoluble fiber. Berries, celery, potatoes, and carrots are also considered to be high in insoluble fiber.

When we talk about solubility, we refer to the how well fiber can attract water to it, creating a gel-like cover on food which allows it to quickly pass through the digestive system, pulling harmful toxins along with it. Conversely, insoluble fiber does not collect water, but still passes through the digestive tract at a surprisingly quick rate.

Finally, as a substitute to both soluble and insoluble fiber, you should also look into flaxseed. Flaxseed is not only rich in fiber but other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, lignans, which are highly prevalent in flaxseed, can protect you against harmful cancer by blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism, as well as interfering with the growth and spread of cancer tumor cells. This combination of nutrients is known to prevent major physical catastrophes, such as heart disease and diabetes. Consider flaxseed as a viable alternative to foods that are rich in fiber. Flaxseed also has several antioxidant properties which further supports heart and blood health.

Psyllium as a Super Soft Fiber Source in a Healthy Diet

flax lover — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:55:32 +0000

For the last twenty years, it has increasingly become common knowledge that a higher intake of fiber in your daily diet is not only good for your weight and a healthy digestion, but your general health as well. The benefits of fiber have been around for much, much longer than that, but it’s only because of technology and our capabilities of communication these days, that the public can be properly informed about the benefits of increased fiber.

If you’ve ever questioned your physical health, you’ve most likely done an abundant amount of your own research to investigate any woes that you may be suffering from. Whether your suffering from anything from basic stomach pains, to arthritis, even sleeping deficiencies, you’ve continuously hunted for the perfect solution that can fix your problems. But have you ever taken less of a look at what will solve the problem, and more of a look at what causes the problem? Usually, physical illnesses start as a result of not one, but several factors, including your diet, sleeping patterns, and even your work environment. You always need to make sure that you’re in the healthiest place possible, when it comes to your actions and your surroundings, if you want to have the most control over the future of your health.

You can get started on the right foot with this attitude today by changing your diet. Your body is full of toxins, and while small amounts of them may not be dangerous, allowing them to build up inside your body can be deadly. If you’re intolerant of foods high in fiber, you’ve no doubt heard of psyllium husks. Psyllium husks are a soluble fiber that is very soft and takes on a gel-like state when in water. Psyllium husks should be considered one of the finest forms of fiber for human consumption. It is taken in powder form and mixed with water. Fiber is known to help clear your digestive system of toxins that can cause stomach issues such as bloating and diarrhea. Psyllium, given its soft fiber content, helps with bowel movements more than almost any other type of fiber.

Remember that though psyllium is high in fiber, it should not be considered an overall substitute for your regular diet. You need to back up the performance that can come with taking psyllium, like eating fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products that are recommended by national institutes for their healthy benefits. If you can manage a healthy diet, then you can supplement psyllium for the fiber that you need for a healthy digestive system.

If Psyllium is too difficult to find, you can find another substitute readily available at your local vitamin or grocery store called flaxseed. Aside from being very high in valuable minerals and nutrients, flaxseed also contains the soft fiber that is in Psyllium. Flaxseed can be found in everything from crackers to oatmeal, and is usually highly saturated in these foods. Consider this alternative as you begin to plan your fiber-rich diet.

Does Fiber Help You Lose Weight And Belly Fat?

flax lover — Tue, 01 May 2012 06:36:34 +0000

While the benefits of fiber when attributed to weight loss are well known, it is not general knowledge that only certain types of fiber can actually be beneficial when added to your diet. In fact, there are certain fibers that can actually cause you to gain weight when taken in excess. If you do not know the difference between the two, you should continue reading.

Fiber is known be a natural appetite suppressant. Foods that are high in fiber make you feel fuller for a longer amount of time compared to other foods. Items such as oat bran and grains are some of the best ways to feel full for the longest amount of time possible. However, you need consider the foods that are digested along with your fiber when determining if this method will actually work for weight loss. If you consume foods that are both high in fiber and sugar, you will counteract the fiber that would otherwise be good for you. Sugar will speed up your metabolism, in turn making the full feeling go away faster than foods that don’t have sugar. Consider breakfast options like oatmeal which are very high in fiber, but very low in sugar.

If you have the option of choosing between soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, it’s highly recommended that you choose to go with insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is known to move through your digestion more efficiently and is known to help ward off constipation and other similar digestive problems that you may experience from time to time.

To get the true impact of fiber in your diet you need to look into sources very high in fiber. Some of these options as food include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and other vegetables. You can also look into sweet potatoes, yams, berries, and black beans.

If you’re looking for the best foods that are high-fiber and good for losing weight, combine your meal with foods that are high in protein. Protein is a natural fat burner and can exponentially speed up your weight loss program when mixed with the proper amount of fiber on a daily basis. If you need an idea of foods high in protein, consider increasing your intake of meats, dairy, and nuts.

While fiber is not the end-all solution to weight loss, when combined with the proper exercise program, you’ll consistently feel refreshed as you gain back all of the minerals your body loses after a workout, regardless of how intense that workout is.

Sometimes, people prefer not to increase their fiber intake, this can be for a number of reasons, but the most common reason is that foods high in fiber do terrible things to their digestive system. Many people are very susceptible to health issues such as diarrhea and bloating, and foods high in fiber can amplify this problem. Consider an alternative called flaxseed, which is also filled with omega-3 fatty acids. The biggest providers of flaxseed are crackers and frozen waffles, but in the last year, there were over 300 new foods full of flaxseed that were available to the general public.

Healthy Tips – 5 Healthy Fiber Facts

flax lover — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:28:34 +0000

Of all the vitamins and minerals that your body loses the most during a regular workout or training program, fiber has the highest rate of loss from your body with each session. Fiber is known to move quickly through your digestive system, so when exercise increases your metabolic rate, you lose fiber even faster than you would normally. It is almost common sense that a diet that’s higher in fiber is not only good for your health, but can help you quickly replenish lost nutrients.

Whole grains such have the highest amount of fiber available in a healthy diet. While this is a well-known fact, most people simply don’t get enough of whole grains because the taste of it isn’t exactly appealing. Whole grains are not only the best source of fiber for your diet, but is loaded with several other beneficial nutrients as well. You can increase your whole grains intake simply by switching from white bread to whole-wheat bread.

If you have a history of high LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, you may want to further look into adding more fiber into your diet. Bad cholesterol is the criminal behind heart conditions like cardiac disease and strokes. Additionally, high cholesterol is a known cause of colon cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer in the world. Fighting high cholesterol can be easily accomplished with a healthy diet that includes foods high in fiber.

If you happen to have whole grains already involved in your daily diet, you know that items such as bread and oat bran fill you up quite quickly. In fact, if you ate enough, this full feeling would take quite a bit of time to dissipate. Additionally, while it keeps you full, whole grains move through your system quite quickly. These soluble fibers collect water in your digestive system. As the water surrounds those foods, they can move through your digestive system faster than foods that are low in fiber. The point of these facts is that not only can you digest calories faster, but whole grains suppress your appetite, and you naturally tend to eat less when compared to eating foods outside of whole grains. The end result is, especially when you combine this diet with exercise, is weight loss. As an added bonus, if you’re known to suffer from constipation, high fiber foods can help combat your issue. Fiber is known to improve the reduction of waste from your digestive tract while supporting the healthy digestion of the nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis. If you prefer not to eat whole grains, several fruits and vegetables are also known to be high in one type of fiber or another.

As an alternative to food high in fiber, you should most certainly look into flaxseed. Fiber is one of the primary components of flaxseed, which also contains several other healthy ingredients. If you simply can’t stand the taste of whole grains or simply don’t like that full feeling, consider flaxseed, which is also high in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans.

Fiber Fights Belly Fat and Disease

flax lover — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:09:34 +0000

When it comes to weight loss, belly fat is the biggest reason behind people looking into losing weight. The weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar a year business. But did you know that you can lose belly fat simply by changing your diet? If I told you that a simple change in the amount of fiber intake you have on a daily basis can help you lose weight, would you be interested?

The relationship between your weight loss or gain and fiber is one of the most under estimated factors in nutrition today. However, a recent study by the University of Southern California is out to prove otherwise. They discovered that an increase of 6 grams of fiber in your diet on a daily basis can reduce your weight by up to 4% when compared to the average intake of fiber.

Fiber is important to belly fat control because it can help you digest foods faster and more efficiently. Foods with soluble fiber such as flaxseed, fruit, vegetables, beans, and oat bran are known to attract water to them so they can pass through the digestive tract faster with a gel like coating created by the water. Insoluble fiber has been known to speed up the time that it takes for food to leave your intestines. These foods, such as wheat bran and whole grains, are also very low in fat, which can be very beneficial to assisting your fiber increase with the loss of belly fat.

To speed up this digestive process you should exercise regularly. Aerobic, or cardiovascular, exercise can be very beneficial not only in the loss of belly fat, but general weight and heart health as well. The ideal exercise schedule would include at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise on a daily basis as well as some form of strength training such as lifting weights at least three times per week. Though this intense exercise schedule is not required to assist in the loss of belly fat with your additional fiber intake, it is common knowledge that exercise can greatly increase the speed at which you lose your belly fat.

As a benchmark for increasing your fiber, the ideal daily diet would include 25 to 35 grams of fiber. Though there are a variety of foods high in fiber, additional examples of high soluble fiber include raspberries, pears, lentils, and bran flakes. Examples of foods that are high and insoluble fiber include whole-wheat bagels, whole-wheat bread, artichokes, and peas. Ultimately, flaxseed has the highest amount of fiber available per serving and this would be your best option for increasing your fiber intake.

With a diet that’s high in fiber and regular exercise you can be well on your way to losing your belly fat in no time. Resist the temptation to eat foods that are high in fat whenever possible. Try not to miss out on exercising due to prior commitments. Exercise naturally speeds up your metabolism. Furthermore, it forces you to drink water, which is a natural appetite suppressant. With exercise and fiber, you’ll naturally eat less, eat healthier, and in the end, begin to lose weight and ultimately your belly fat.

Fiber in Diet

flax lover — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:45:52 +0000

We have all been told how important it is to consume adequate amounts of fiber in our diets. However, it is rarely explained to us as to why this is very essential to our health. The consumption of fiber plays a big role in several key bodily functions including digestion and can provide us relief from specific health issues like constipation. Flaxseed fiber is also great for those trying to lose weight as it causes a sense of feeling full. Let’s take a look at those benefits plus some other specific characteristics of how increased fiber in a diet can be a great thing.

Plainly put, the presence of fiber in a diet plays a key role in keeping your digestive system functional and preventing painful health conditions like constipation. At the risk of sounding too medical, fiber basically has carbohydrates included in them that are resistant to the enzymes in the human body. This means that the large majority of fiber that enters your digestive system goes through the digestive system relatively intact. The end result is the high fiber foods essentially cleaning out any toxins or waste from your digestive system. In short, an increased amount of fiber in your diet probably will make you go to the bathroom more, but it is not necessarily a bad thing in this case.

One reason why fiber should be a mainstay in the daily diet of all people is that foods that are high in fiber expand our stomach, making us feel full after eating. This concept makes it less likely for us to feel any type of hunger pains in between meals. The fiber also physically sits in our stomach longer which again makes us less hungry and fills us up more in the process.

Some foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, and anything that contains whole grain ingredients. More specifically foods high in fiber include celery, cucumbers, seeds & nuts, apples, oranges, and wheat bran just to name a few. Most fiber is either categorized as either soluble or insoluble. The basic difference between the two types of fiber is that insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water while soluble fiber does. There is a food you can consume however that provides the benefits of both. Flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Flax seed can help its users prevent constipation, protect their heart, and increase energy levels.

Fiber is an important part of any diet. Eating right, and eating fiber rich flaxseeds in particular, is essential to proper digestion. Eating fiber should never be looked at as a bad thing. As a whole, eating flaxseed can lead to living a much more healthy life.

Flax Seed Helps Prevent Heart Disease

flax lover — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:36:05 +0000

Heart diseases belong to the top causes of death around the world. Hence, in these modern times, many people are becoming more health-conscious and are especially taking preventive measures to avoid becoming victims of heart conditions. One way that has been discovered a “miracle method” by plenty of individuals is through the consumption of flax seed. Nowadays, a lot of studies have come out that proves this food to be good in helping prevent heart disease. This is because it lowers bad cholesterol and can even thwart the stickiness of blood platelets which both then decrease the risk of a heart attack.

If you want to live longer and remain healthy even in your senior years, you really need to start taking in flax seed regularly. Maintain the ideal body weight for you and also exercise on a regular basis. Moreover, you should avoid saturated fatty acids. This way, you can reduce the risk of having any heart condition. This is especially important for those who have a family history of such disease.

A Little Background on Flax Seed

This type of seed which consists of Omega 3 fatty acids along with soluble fiber is commonly grown in the northwestern part of the United States and in the entirety of Canada. It can be bought whole or in powdered form.

The alpha-linolenic acid in flax seed is the one responsible for working against inflammation. That is why is good for ailments and conditions that involve swelling.

Flax seed oil is actually a popular option for those who are not so fond of eating fish and those who have gotten tired of eating fish. You can add it to raw food such as a salad, or you can incorporate it into previously cooked food. Just be sure not to use it for cooking because its benefits may vanish and the oil may actually turn bad.

Its sweet and nutty flavor has made it famous for various sauces used in salads and hot dishes.

The Uses of Flax Seed Oil

Aside from lowering your cholesterol, flax seed oil is basically great for those with high blood pressure. It is also frequently used in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, constipation, anxiety, and diabetes. It is also commonly utilized for weight loss. And of course, aside from the prevention of heart disease, it works as well in preventing breast and prostate cancers. Indeed this oil is very good for your body.

When taking flax seed, however, you should be careful to maintain small doses only. This is to ensure that you do not end up with diarrhea.

Just be sure to integrate it moderately in your diet or perhaps have it in your meals 2-3 times a week only.

Flax Seed Storage

flax lover — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:32:15 +0000

Flaxseed is considered as one of the most helpful plants in the planet. It is believed that this one tiny seed helps reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Nowadays, flaxseed is found in almost all kinds of foods from cracker down to oatmeal. Commercial and agricultural demands for flaxseed have gone up. It is also known for its health benefits because it is comprised of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, anti-oxidant and fiber.

Flaxseed offers a long list of health benefits. The consumption of flaxseed is associated with reduction of bad cholesterol together with exercise, less intake of fatty, salty, sugary foods. Thus, it is advisable to include flaxseed in your diet. Nutritionists advise their diabetic patients to eat it daily because omega-3 and fiber help in lowering the blood sugar. Constipation is prevented through daily intake of flaxseed because of its high content of both soluble and insoluble fiber which helps in absorbing water. Additionally, it is noted that when fiber is present in your diet, it must be accompanied with drinking lots of water. Insufficient amount of liquids can actually cause constipation. Daily intake of flaxseeds fights inflammation disorders, menopausal symptoms and even heart diseases.

Flaxseeds can be purchased either whole or ground which offer distinct benefits. Although ground flaxseeds may be more convenient, whole flaxseeds feature a longer shelf life.

1. Make sure that it is tightly and securely covered so as to ensure their maximal freshness. Whether purchasing flaxseeds in bulk or in a packaged container, there must be no evidence of moisture.

2. If you purchase whole flaxseeds, store them in an airtight container in a dark, dry and cool place where they will still stay fresh for several months.

3. Ground flaxseeds are usually available both refrigerated and non-refrigerated options. Thus, it is highly recommended to purchase ground flaxseed that is in a vacuum-sealed package or has been refrigerated because once flaxseeds are ground, they are much more prone to spoilage.

4. Also, if you opt to purchase ground flaxseeds or you grind them at home, it is important to keep them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from becoming rancid. Flaxseed oil is especially perishable and should be purchased in bottles or in any other packaging that has been kept refrigerated.

5. To consume flaxseed, grind the seed in a blender for a minute or two. The purpose behind grinding it first is that it will be easier for the body to digest and absorb nutrients contained inside it.

By having two tablespoons each meal which can be mixed with cereals, yogurt or smoothies or even in sandwiches, you will notice great improvement to your health condition. Therefore, make flaxseed a part of your diet plans!

Five Tips for Buying Flax Seed

flax lover — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 02:33:42 +0000

Buying flax seed oil

Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and soft gel capsule forms. Like any oil, flaxseed oil may turn rancid if it is not refrigerated. Flaxseed oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. The highest quality flaxseed products are made using fresh pressed seeds, bottled in dark containers or in opaque plastic bottle to prevent light from spoiling it, and processed at low temperatures in the absence of light, extreme heat, or oxygen.

When buying flax seed oil check the expiration date on the label, as the oil spoils quickly. Keep it refrigerated for freshness. Should the oil develop a powerful odor, discard it.

Be sure to buy flaxseed oil supplements made by reputable companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

If the oils are not certified USDA organics, then there is no guarantee that the plants are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Organics will normally cost about twice what you would pay for those grown by traditional modern farming practices. So, keep this in mind that organics will probably cost more than those not grown organically .

A note of caution manufacturers are allowed to use the word “organic” on the label, when only a portion of the seeds or some other ingredients were grown organically. If you would like further information about this kind of labeling, visit the USDA’s website. They have a page that covers the subject.

Flax seed and Flax seed meal.

Whole flax seed stays fresh up to a year if stored correctly. This means that the bag in which they are stored must be opaque to avoid light from penetrating it and getting it rancid. Vacuum packed is best because it means it has been prevented from coming into contact with oxygen before it is open. Ideally flax meal should be refrigerated.

It is best to grind flax seed only as needed. In this way the seed is kept fresh and its nutrients stays intact. It is best to grind only what can be consumed for a day or at most up to a week. Store the left over ground flax seed in the refrigerator prior to use.

Supplementing with Flax Seed

flax lover — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:23:48 +0000

Flax Seed Oil with Cottage Cheese

Ever tried flax seed oil with cottage cheese. Maybe it’s about time to give it a try. Dr. Johanna Budwig, a highly respected German Biochemist helped many seriously ill patients, even those who were labeled terminal by most medical doctors. Her research showed that flaxseed oil can be beneficial for health because of its rich essential fatty content know as linoleic and linolenic acid. She helped them regained their weight with a simple regimen of flax seed oil blended with cottage cheese. Her recipe is to combine 2 tablespoon flaxseed oil with ¼ cup cottage cheese. She found out that when regularly given this simple blend, tumors receded and then disappeared, that a yellowish green substance in their blood was replaced with a healthy red pigment called hemoglobin, anemia was alleviated and vital energy was restored.

Here is Dr. Johanna Budwig’s Blend:

In your blender, combine the following

1 cup organic cottage cheese
2-5 Tbsp. of flaxseed oil
1-3 Tbsp. of freshly ground up flaxseed (electric coffee grinder ($15) works fine)
enough water to make it soft
a dash of cayenne pepper (red hot chilli pepper)

Why cottage cheese? Flaxseed oil is made more effective when 2 tablespoons of the oil are added to 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. The essential fats bind to the proteins in the cottage cheese making them more easily absorbed by your body plus the fact that it tastes good.

For more information on this dynamic duo, you may want to check out the book “Fats That Heal – Fats That Kill” by Udo Erasmus.

Ground Flaxseed

If you like to use ground flax seed, it is best to grind them because whole seed is not absorbed by the body. It is best to grind the seeds just before using them. Grind only enough that can be use for the day or at most a week, and kept the left over refrigerated to preserve their flavor and nutrition.

Ground flax seed can be easily added to shakes, smoothies or to a glass of water. Flax seed can also be sprinkled over salad, cereals or cooked vegetables, or included in pancake batter, muffins or other baked goods. Flax seed has a pleasant nutty flavor.

You prefer to use ground flaxseeds, just add 1 or 2 tablespoons of to an 8-ounce glass of water and mix. Flaxseeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and taste good sprinkled on salads, cooked vegetables, or cereals.

Liquid Flaxseed Oil

If you prefer to use flaxseed oil, it can be in liquid form or in capsules. It may be the easiest form to use, although it must be kept refrigerated.

For it to be absorb, it must be taken with food. You can use it in place of olive oil for salad dressing, but experts caution on cooking it because it will diminish its nutritional content. Buy flaxseed oil that is in an opaque bottled.

For best absorption, take flaxseed oil with food. It is easily mixed into juices and other drinks, and its nutty, buttery flavor complements cottage cheese, yogurt and many other foods. You can also use it instead of olive oil in a salad dressing. Don’t cook with it, however, as this will deplete the oil’s nutrient content.

How to Take It:

The dose depends on how much fatty acids you get in your diet and which condition you are taking flaxseed oil for. However here are some guidelines.

Adult

Flaxseed oil: Take 1 – 2 tablespoonfuls daily, or 1 – 2 capsules daily. Flaxseed oil is often used in a liquid form, which contains approximately 7 grams of ALA per 15 mL (1 tbsp), and contains about 130 calories.

As a substitute for fish oil, a dose of 7.2 grams of flaxseed oil is roughly equal to 1 gram of fish oil.

Pediatric

Talk to your doctor before giving flaxseed oil to a child under 18.

Precautions:

Be aware that flax seed can interact with medications or dietary supplement i.e., Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), Blood sugar lowering medications Etretinate and topical steroids. Cholesterol-lowering medications and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that one is taking. So it is best that a doctor or a qualified health practitioner be consulted before taking it, especially if one is taking in oral medications.

Flax seed may slow down the rate of the body’s absorption of oral medications and other nutrients if taken at the same time. So if possible avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as medication and other supplements.

People with diabetes or schizophrenia may not be able to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, the forms more readily used in the body. People with either condition should get omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources rich in EPA and DHA, such as fish.