Two Tablespoons of Freshly Ground Flaxseeds Every Eay Can Reduce High Cholesterol Level
Dr. Andrew Weil recommends flaxseeds for lowering high cholesterol level.
2 tablespoons of flax contains about 1.5 grams of soluble fiber, which is known to lower cholesterol. This may explain the results of a study in which women who added 2 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet for 4 weeks had a 9 percent drop in total cholesterol and an 18 percent drop in LDL cholesterol; HDL levels stay the same (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, April 2002)
Known for its high fiber content, flax’s greatest value may come from its abundance of lignans, a class of phytoestrogens. These plant compounds with estrogen-like activity may protect against hormone-driven cancers and also act as antioxidants. In addition, the alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) found in flax also provides the body with much-needed omega-3 fatty acids. LNA is converted in the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3s found in oily fish like salmon.
Avoid flax oil because when most flax oil is made, the beneficial lignans and fiber from flaxseeds are eliminated. Also flax oil easily goes rancid.
This is how you make your own jar of flaxseeds. Flaxseeds must be ground for your body to absorb its nutrients. Buy organic flaxseeds sold at most natural food stores. Do not buy ready-to-use ground flaxseeds because they may have already become rancid. Grind flaxseeds yourself. Grind a half-cup at a time in a coffee grinder or blender and refrigerate in an airtight opaque container for up to 30 days. Sprinkle on cereals, salads, and cooked vegetables, or add to shakes and nut butters.
2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds have about 4.5g of fiber, 3g of omega-3s as LNA, 3g of protein, 5g of fat, less than 6g of carbohydrates, and 80 calories.