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The Flax Healing
Miracle
Flax
- often referred to
as the "miracle that science forgot"
- is one of the oldest known cultivated
plants, probably originating in the Orient.
Originally grown for its fiber and seeds, it
has long been treasured for its medicinal
uses as well.
Hippocrates, in the 5th century BC,
recommended flax for relieving inflamed
mucuous membranes, abdominal pains and
diarrhea. The 8th century emperor
Charlemagne considered flax so crucial for
the health of his subjects, he passed laws
requiring its consumption. Ancient East
Indian scriptures state that in order to
reach the highest state of contenment and
joy, a yogi must eat flax daily. Even
Mahatma Gandhi once observed: "Wherever flax
seed becomes a regular food item among the
people, there will be better health."
Flax oil, derived from flax seed, is the
richest known source of alpha-linolenic acid
(LNA). This essential fatty acid is required
by your body for a number of life-sustaining
functions, yet it is lacking in most diets.
Many people suffer a serious deficiency of
these essential fatty acids without
realizing it.Some telltale signs you aren't
getting enough in your diet include stiff
joints, impaired vision, and dry skin around
your cuticles.This amazing "liquid sunshine"
has been used clinically and by
nutritionally-oriented physicians for years
to treat cancer, high cholesterol and blood
pressure, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and
many other conditions. Flax oil also offers
the added benefits of increasing energy,
stamina, and making skin soft, hair shiny
and nails strong. (Many people find they no
longer need to use skin lotions or
moisturizers!)
Flax oil's ability to mimic the effects of
prostaglandins allows it to help regulate
blood pressure, platelet, kidney, immune and
arterial function, inflammatory response,
and play important roles in calcium and
energy metabolism. Its effects on promoting
hormone balance can help lower the amount of
insulin required by diabetics. Fresh,
unrefined flax oil contains lecithin and
other phospholipids that help emulsify fats
and oils for easier digestion and enhanced
metabolism.
It is very helpful for treating dry skin,
dandruff, and skin conditions like eczema
and psoriasis. But one of the most
significant discoveries about flax oil has
to do with its miraculous cancer-fighting
abilities. Dr. Johanna Budwig, world renown
as Germanyıs top biochemist, built on the
work of three Nobel Prize-winning scientists
to unravel the healing mysteries of a
powerful oil and protein combination. Dr.
Budwig conducted painstaking and
time-consuming work, treating cancer
patients with 2 tablespoons cold-pressed
flax seed oil combined with skim milk.
Later, she substituted one-quarter cup quark
(the German form of cottage cheese).
Monitoring the changes that occurred, she
found that a yellowish-green substance in
their blood was soon replaced with a healthy
red pigment, hemoglobin. Tumors receded and
disappeared, anemia was alleviated, vital
energy increased and a full recuperation
took place.
Since Dr. Budwig's findings on the benefits
of flax seed oil have been widely
publicized, scientists around the world have
eagerly jumped on the bandwagon. Studies
using flaxseed oil on numerous disorders
have been conducted all over the world,
showing impressive results. These include
anti-tumor activity, increased metabolism,
greatly boosted immune systems,reduced
cholesterol levels, normalized blood
pressure levels, and inhibition of cancer
cell growth.
Backed with all this intensive research, the
indisputable fact is this: supplementing
your diet with flax could be the most
important thing you do for yourself every
day. But to get the maximum benefits of this
precious, health-boosting substance, you
must be careful to choose the right
products.
Flax oil is highly unstable and spoils
easily when exposed to light and oxygen.
That's why the way it is manufactured and
packaged is so important to preserving its
beneficial properties. High-quality flax oil
should be cold-pressed to avoid destroying
its delicate molecules with heat, and stored
in dark, opaque containers to prevent
contact with light and oxygen.
Most people prefer to use flax oil, either
in liquid or softgel form, since it is the
best way to enjoy the maximum benefits of
flax. Always choose organic, unrefined flax
oil, since it is most likely to have all of
its powerful natural components intact. To
be assured freshness, always use a product
before its expiration date on the bottle
(it's amazing how many manufacturers don't
even list this crucial information!)
Flax oil should have a rich, deep-golden
color like fresh, liquid sunshine - which is
what it is: sunlight energy stored in bonds
between the carbon and hydrogen atoms of
which oils are composed. It should have a
pleasant aroma and a light, nutty taste. (If
it doesn't, it means the oil has gone rancid
and should be thrown out). If you prefer to
use flax seed instead of oil, remember that
you cannot swallow the seed whole. Your body
will not get the nutrients it contains,
since they are protected by a tough seed
coat. The flax seed must be finely ground to
release its nutritional potential. Always
use ground flax seed with plenty of fluids,
since it absorbs five times its own weight
in water. |