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A LEADING dietician in Bahrain is highlighting the benefits of flaxseed, a 'super-food' which scientists say has numerous nutritional benefits.
Flaxseed is a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre, which is important for healthy digestion and may even lower cholesterol levels.
It has also been found that lignans, a group of chemical compounds with estrogen and antioxidant properties (found in all plant seeds) are highest in flaxseed.
Research is currently underway and some evidence suggests that lignans might have anti-cancerous qualities, especially against prostate, breast and colon cancer. It also indicates that a diet high in ALA (Alpha-Lipoic Acid) lowers cholesterol, prevents the build-up of harmful deposits in the arteries and also protects the immune system.
Nada Jawahery, registered dietician at Royal Bahrain Hospital and member of the American Dietetics Association, said: "The trick to getting the most out of flaxseeds is to ground them up to access the core containing all the good oil.
"Biting them is difficult because each seed is so small, and therefore they might pass undigested through the digestive tract.
"Adding one tablespoon of flaxseed to your diet is a good way to boost your system with a healthy kind of oil. Omega 3s help to lower the LDL and cholesterol in your bloodstream.
"Flaxseed can also be purchased in oil form, which is also known as linseed oil, which is the easy to digest and more readily absorbed than the seed, however, it will lack fibre.
"One teaspoon of linseed oil is enough to meet daily ALA needs according to the Flax Council of Canada. Vegetarians can substitute fish with flaxseed to get their dose of Omega 3."
Flaxseed is made-up of 17-22 per cent protein, and contains 28 per cent fibre, 40 per cent fat, 4 per cent ash and 6 per cent carbohydrates. The carbohydrates it contains include sugars, lignans, hemicellulose and phenolic acids.
Scientific research has shown that flaxseed provides many benefits that come from its high fibre content, lignans, fats and protein.
For more information call 17246832 or email Nada.Jawahery@royalbhrn.com
