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What is flaxseed oil, benefits, components and uses ?

July 18th, 2010

Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. It is similar to a grain but has more nutrient value. It contains:
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which reduces heart disease among other health conditions.
- essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- It contains alpha-linolenic acid.
- Flaxseed oil also contains chemicals called lignans, which are believed to have antioxidant properties.

Components of Flaxseed Oil

- FIBER: Fiber keeps the digestive tract clean and regular and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, which is important in preventing heart disease.
- LIGNANS: These plant compounds found in the hull act as as weak form of estrogen (phytoestrogen) and appear to protect the body from hormonal cancers – including breast cancer.
- Proteins : The protein in flaxseed oil is easily digested and contains a complete amino-acid profile that the body needs.
- Essential Fatty Acids : Omega-3 fatty acids, usually from fish oil, have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

- Lowering cholesterol levels.
- Improving the immune system.
- Lubricates and absorbs toxins.
- Prevents the toxic that builds in bowels.
- Soothes ulcers.
- Acts as a buffer for excess stomach acids.
- Protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure.
- Controls counter inflammation associated with lupus and gout.
- Flaxseed Puts the Brakes on Prostate Cancer Growth.
- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.
- Treating Dandruff.
- Strengthens finger and toenails.
- Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.
- Curing asthma and diabetes.

Uses of Flaxseed Oil (sprinkled or added in small quantity)

- Salads
- Protein shakes
- Yogurt, Breakfast cereal
- Cookie Dough
- Pancakes, Muffins, Waffles
- Lotions

Side-Effects of Flaxseed Oil

- Anyone that has an allergy to Linaceae plant should avoid flaxseed oil.
- Bloating or increased flatulence is experienced. Start with a small amount and then increase gradually. Increase your water intake also.

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Posted in Diabetes, Diet, Flaxseed Oil, Relief, benefits, cure, growth, health, its importance

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Swimming : A cardiovascular Workout, and what are its benefits

July 16th, 2010

Swimming, a low aerobic exercise is a very good form of exercise and is suitable for every age group. Swimming is considered to be a healthy and relaxing activity. It helps in toning up your muscles. It simultaneously helps to improve cardiovascular system, muscular strength, flexibility, posture and endurance. The cardiovascular system in particular benefits because swimming improves your body’s use of oxygen without overworking your heart. While swimming, you continuously moving your arms and legs thus upper and lower body strength is improve. About 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at least three days per week is needed.

Health Benefits of Swimming

- It helps to maintain the blood pressure and cholesterol of the body.
- Risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes is decreased.
- Flexibility of the body is increased.
- Swimming after breast surgery is an excellent means of exercising all the major muscle groups.
- Swimming is good for asthma patients.
- Swimming can help pregnant women strengthen their abdominal and shoulder muscles because they are most affected while carrying a baby.
- Being a full body workout, it is an excellent calorie burner and hence good for people craving for weight loss.
- Normalize breathing, cooling mind and stimulating circulation.
- It increases hunger.
- It strengthens ab and back muscles.
- A stronger heart and enhanced physique or figure.
- It improves the capacity and endurance.
- Walking and jogging in water have similar benefits to walking and jogging on land but with lesser injuries.
- Lap swimming can be done using different strokes and is an option for fitness exercise.
- Slow movements are done and held for a period of time after warm up and after each workout.

Bacteria, germs and other disease-causing microorganisms found in ocean water, lakes and chlorinated pools so take precautions while swimming.

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Posted in Aerobics, Asthma, Blood Sugar, Cancer, Diabetes, Diet, Exercise, Swimming, abdomen, backache, benefits, health

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Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Importance, Benefits, Uses and Side Effects.

July 15th, 2010

Fatty acids are organic compounds composed of carbon chains of varying lengths, with an acid group on one end and hydrogen bound to all the carbons of the chain. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are those that are necessary for health, but cannot be synthesized by the body.
The typical American diet tends to contain 14 – 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids actually reduce inflammation and Omegas 6s increase inflammation, it’s important to have a balanced diet to offset Omega 6 inflammatory affects.
Imbalance between the intakes of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids causes inflammation if the intake of Omega-6 is more than Omega-3.
This dietary imbalance may lead to the rise of diseases as :
- asthma
- coronary heart disease
- many forms of cancer
- autoimmunity and neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are believed to stem from inflammation in the body.
- obesity
- depression
- dyslexia
- hyperactivity and even a tendency toward violence.
Cut down on omega-6 levels by reducing consumption of processed and fast foods and polyunsaturated vegetable oils. At home, use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and in salad dressings.

Dietary Sources:
Sources of omega-6 fatty acids are numerous in modern diets.
- Olive Oil
- Wheatgerm
- Grapeseeds
- Pistachios
- Sesame Oil
- Hempseed Oil
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Chia Seed Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Cottonseed Oil
- Raw Nuts & Seeds

Uses and Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty acids

- Taking gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for 6 months or more may reduce symptoms of nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy.
- Some studies have shown that taking primrose oil helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Children with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have lower levels of EFAs, both omega-6s and omega-3s. EFAs are important to normal brain and behavioral function.
- GLA may help reduce high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Evening primrose oil may reduce breast pain and tenderness in people with cyclic mastalgia.

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Posted in Diabetes, Diet, Fish, Fitness, Food, benefits, cure, health

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