In Case You Missed It ...
Nov 2, 2009 10:00 pm US/Central
Just The Flax, Ma'am: Diet Fad Has Real Benefits
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Flaxseed has become a health food sensation with real benefits, according to doctors and nutritionists.
Lori Dowdle uses flaxseed every day for breakfast foods such as muffins and pancakes. She even puts it in smoothies and peanut butter. Even her son, Mathias, who is a picky eater, has no problem with eating flaxseed. "I found it at Wal-Mart for $1.97 a box," Dowdle said, "and I can throw it in everything."
During the Middle Ages, flaxseed was used in breads. But through the years, people stopped using it because it spoils quickly. Today, the stalk is used to make linens. And now, as you may have noticed, the seed is making a comeback on store shelves.
You can find flaxseed now in breads, chips and granolas. Nutritionist Regan Jones said flaxseed contains fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. "Universally, health experts agree omega-3 fatty acids are healthy for us," said Jones. "It's a little bit of a craze, but a craze based in some credible science."
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart disease and overall inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis, in the body. And Dr. Vitaly Margulis of UT Southwestern Medical Center is now watching new studies focusing on breast and prostate cancer patients.
"There is evidence that flaxseed did have a positive impact in the biology of prostate cancer in about a month of use," said Margulis. "That's quite remarkable."
Researchers at MD Anderson in Houston are finding prostate cancer patients taking flaxseed have fewer actively dividing cancer cells. But Margulis said he will only recommend flaxseed for his cancer patients after more research is complete.
And Jones has a 'buyer beware' tip for those using flaxseed for other benefits. "I think it's a terrible misconception that people think they can buy this, sprinkle it in muffin batter and they're getting all the omega-3 fatty acids," Jones said.
Whole seeds, like those in some bread, may not do much good. You need to grind them. And whether you are buying products or making your own recipes, Jones said, a tablespoon of milled flaxseed is the best way to get your daily allowance.
Dowdle and her family, meanwhile, continue to add flaxseed to meals. "We have lots of history of blood pressure and heart disease," she said, "so I'd like to fight against that early on."
The shelf life for milled flaxseed and oil is six to 12 months, and it should be refrigerated. You can also cook with it. Click on the 'Related Links' for recipe suggestions.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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