Flaxseed ...

from Northern Edge®

Latest 'wonder food' contains 'good' fatty acids!

Flax seed is the best known source of the two essential fatty acids: Linoleic (Omega 6) and Linolenic (Omega 3).

In the past 10 years, objective, scientific evidence for a nutritional benefit of high alpha linolenic acid (high ALA) flaxseed to humans has come to light, which suggests that high ALA flaxseed should be recognized and its food uses developed for those benefits.

Adults normally require about 1 gram of ALA per day.  This varies with activity level, health status, fish consumption, total fat intake, pregnancy, lactation, etc.

Beneficial Effects of High-ALA Flaxseed Established in Controlled Human Studies:

• Raised alpha-linolenic acid and longer chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum, red blood cells and platelets.
• Improved laxation confirmed in young adults and infirmed elderly.
• Raised lignan excretion that is associated with lower rates of breast and colon cancer in epidemologic studies.
• Reduced blood clotting tendency.
• Lowered LDL cholesterol in normolipidemic individuals; an important cardiovascular disease risk factor.
• Delayed glucose absorption observed in nondiabetic individuals.
• Lowered levels of total serum cholesterol in normolipidemic individuals.

The Proven Benefits of Flaxseed and LNA:

Cancers - according to Dr. James Duke of the US Department of agriculture, flaxseed contains 27 identifiable cancer preventitive compounds.  Many doctors have been using flaxseed oil successfully in cancer therapy.   Breast & prostate cancers have been studied extensively.

Heart Disease - one of the unique features of flaxseed oil is that it contains a substance that resembles prostaglandins, which may well be part of its therapeutic value.  Prostaglandins regulate blood pressure and arterial function, plus have an important role in calcium and energy metabolism.  No other vegetable oil examined so far matches this property of flaxseed oil.   Similarly, LNAs blood regulating capabilities prevent spontaneous blood clots caused by an excess of fatty acids.

Diabetes - late onset adult diabetes is suspected to originate partially from a deficiency of LNA's and an excess of saturated/trans fats in the diet.  Reversal of symptoms can occur with positive changes in the diet and proper supplementation of LNA from flaxseed oil.  LNAs may also lower  insulin requirements.

Inflammatory Tissue Conditions - LNA fatty acids decrease inflammatory conditions of all types.  These consist of: Bursitis, tendonitis, tonsillitis, gastritis, ileitis, colitis, meningitis, arthritis, phlebitis, prostatitis, nephritis, splenitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, otitis, etc. as well as lupus.

Skin Conditions - recent research has shown that conditions such as psoriasis and eczema have improved dramatically when flaxseed & flax oil were added to the diet.  These skin conditions exacerbate from lack of LNAs in the diet.  Skin will get smoother, softer and velvety from regular use of flaxseed/oil; it is also helpful for treating dry skin, dandruff and sun-sensitive skin.

Sexual Disorders - the most common physical cause of impotency in men and non-orgasmic response in women is blockage of blood flow in the arteries of the pelvis.  Decrease of blood flow prevents full expansion (erection) of the penis and clitoris.  Thus ejaculation and orgasm cannot occur.  The solution is to unblock narrowed arteries in general, which flaxseed will help do.  Flaxseed oil is quickly gaining the reputation as one of the best aphrodisiacs of the 90's.

Calmness Under Stress - many people find increased calmness to be the most profound effect of using fresh flaxseed oil, often within a few hours.

Water Retention - the LNA and LA fatty acids in flaxseed oil help the kidneys excrete sodium & water.  Water retention (edema) accompanies swollen ankles, some forms of obesity, PMS, and all stages of cancer & cardiovascular disease.

Vitality and Athletic Ability - one of the most noticeable signs of improved health from the use of flaxseed oil is progressive, increased vitality and energy.   Flax increases metabolic rate and the efficiency of cellular energy production.   It stimulates respiratory and cellular oxidation by which energy is produced which we experience as warmth.  Obviously, for athletes or anyone wishing to reduce fat and create a fit, lean body, this is great news.

Other Conditions - LNAs are necessary for visual function (retina), adrenal function (stress), and sperm formation.  They often improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.  In fact, when LNA consumption is high, MS is rare.  Flaxseed oil can also be helpful in cystic fibrosis (LNA helps loosen viscous secretions and relieves breathing difficulties); some cases of sterility & miscarriage; some glandular malfunctions; some behavioural problems (schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder); allergies; addictions (to drugs or alcohol) and some deviant behaviour. 

Whole, unmilled flaxseed is not digestible by humans.  It needs to be milled to allow the digestive tract to absorb the nutrients contained in the seed.  Milled flaxseed rapidly goes rancid when exposed to light and air, resulting in a poor shelf life.

Randolph & James has developed a unique process, whereby the seed is sliced rather than crushed or ground and immediately vacuum packed in light proof, recloseable pouches.

The best quality of certified organic Milled Flax is cold milled (under temperatures of 42oC) directly into the consumer package, using a special flaking process that breaks up the seed - yet leaves the oil intact.  This ensures optimum freshness for up to 10 months.

*** Must be kept in the freezer once opened, to retain freshness, viability & prevent rancidity!