Flaxseed is on its way to being touted as a wonder food for many ailments, but for this segment we will focus on its similarity to the benefits of eating fish. Flaxseed is primarily made up of oil and protein. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, primarily the omega-3's. Therefore, it is promoted as a means of reducing some of the risk factors of heart disease. It has been suggested that the addition of flaxseed may reduce total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol.
Flaxseed is a very old food, and for centuries has been added to foods for improved health.
It is said to have a pleasant, nutty flavor, and is popular in baked products or as a topping, like poppy or sesame seeds. Flaxseed also contains vitamins and minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, and phytoestrogens. Studies have been conducted to look into the cancer fighting properties of flaxseed due to a type of phytoestrogen it contains, known as lignans. For more information on flax seed, check out the web site for the Flax Council of Canada. We found this recipe in Cooking Light magazine .