Symptoms of this imbalance include Alzheimer's Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, joint pain and stiffness, high blood pressure, allergies, obesity, high cholesterol, PMS, multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases. Hippocrates recommended the use of flax seeds over 2000 years ago for relief of gastrointestinal distress and skin ailments. In fact, its Latin name, Linum usitatissimum means 'most useful'. During the last 2000 years, we have discovered many other uses for flax. Flax seed consumption can reduce your risk of heart disease, for example.
Flax seeds are high in fiber and therefore can have a cholesterol-lowering effect.
Several studies have drawn a direct link between flax seeds and lowering of LDL cholesterol. The soluble fiber in flax seeds can slow digestion, reducing the rate of glucose absorption and therefore helping to control insulin levels. The insoluble fiber in flax seeds helps to relieve constipation and keep the bowel 'cleaned out'. Perhaps one of the most important properties of flax seeds, however, is lignans. Lignans are powerful anti-cancer nutrients that are known to regulate cell reproduction.