Your Health Diary

Flaxseed Health Benefits and Uses

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Flaxseeds have been cultivated for their health benefits for 5000 
years but it is only in the last few decades that nutritional science 
has realized just how good they are for us.  
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“Wherever flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health,” 
Mahatma Gandhi. 
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I love adding flaxseeds to my meals and baking!  Let’s learn more about this Powerfood. 
 

Essential  Flaxseed Health Benefits 
  

1. Flaxseeds are one of the foods highest in soluble and insoluble fibre; 
4 Tbsp flax meal = 8 grams of fiber. 


 
<ul>
<li>Great for detoxing of the body. They contain a gummy soluble fiber called mucilage which protects intestinal flora.</li>
<li>Helps keep bowel movements regular eliminating toxins.</li>
<li>Blocks excess acidity thus improves digestion.</li>
<li>The fibre has <a href="http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/9/1/8">cholesterol-lowering</a> effects.</li>
<li>The high fiber helps stabilize blood sugar.</li>
</ul>

2. Flaxseed Lignans Fight Cancer, Infection and More 


 
<ul>
<li>Flaxseeds Reduce Prostate Cancer: Research <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11911282" target="_blank">studies</a> show lignans can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.</li>
<li>Flaxseeds help with Breast Cancer Survival: Three studies followed thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer were published at <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/">PubMed Central®</a> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883619/">1.</a> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22094938">2.</a> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21900115">3.</a>
 They found “Lignans might play an important role in reducing all-cause 
and cancer-specific mortality of the patients operated on for breast 
cancer.”</li>
<li>Lignans seem to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.</li>
<li>Lignans may reduce pre-menopausal symptoms, promote fertility and prevent Type 2 diabetes.</li>
</ul>


 
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Flaxseed omega 3 oil is good for your heart, and a lot more!</div>
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3. Flaxseed Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation. 


 
<ul>
<li>Many chronic diseases (heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes) 
are developed from too much inflammation; this is enhanced by having too
 little Omega-3 intake. Flaxseed oil can be a real help.</li>
</ul>

Benefits of essential fatty acids: 


 
<ul>
<li>increases “good” Cholesterol levels</li>
<li>for organ health</li>
<li>keep joints supple</li>
<li>a healthy brain; very important when a child’s brain grows the fastest, in utero and during infancy.</li>
<li>a healthy heart and arteries</li>
<li>can nourish immune system</li>
<li>help keep bones strong</li>
<li>for a smooth skin</li>
</ul>

4.  Flaxseed Meal is Low Carb, Low Glycemic Index, and Gluten Free. 


 
<ul>
<li>Although flaxseeds are not a grain, they have a similar vitamin and mineral profile and are often used in grain type recipes.</li>
<li>For those on a low carbohydrate diet, or a gluten free diet, 
flaxseed meal is perfectly safe.  It has a low glycemic  index of 32 and
 with it’s high fiber is good for weight loss.</li>
</ul>


 
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Flax has been grown since 3000 BC for its many uses and benefits. 
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Flaxseed Trivia: 


 
<ul>
<li>Hippocrates used flaxseed for relief of intestinal discomfort.</li>
<li>The Egyptians used linen (made from flax seed) to wrap their mummies.</li>
<li>Christ wore linen in his tomb. Homer tells of sails made of linen in his Odyssey.</li>
<li>Laws were passed requiring people to consume flax seeds for its health benefits by King Charlemagne in the 8th century.</li>
<li>Flax was one of the original medicines, used by Hippocrates himself.</li>
<li>Some flax varieties are  grown for oil, some for their fiber to make linen.</li>
</ul>

Flaxseed History: 


 
<ul>
<li>Stone Age: Flax remnants were found in Stone Age dwellings in Switzerland.</li>
<li>Around 3000 BC:  flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon.</li>
<li>8th century: King Charlemagne passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it because he believed in its health benefits.</li>
</ul>

Flaxseed Nutrition: 


 
<ol>
<li>Contains high quality protein; 4 Tbsp flax meal = 6 grams of protein.</li>
<li>Contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E, and carotene.</li>
<li>Contain many minerals (iron, zinc, and trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium)</li>
<li>Has vitamin E and carotene, two nutrients which aid the metabolism of the oil.</li>
<li>Contain over a hundred times more of a phytonutrient lignin, than 
high lignin food such as wheat bran, buckwheat, rye, millet, oats, and 
soybeans.</li>
</ol>



Flaxseed History: 


 
<ul>
<li>Stone Age: Flax remnants were found in Stone Age dwellings in Switzerland.</li>
<li>Around 3000 BC: flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon.</li>
<li>8th century: King Charlemagne passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it because he believed in its health benefits.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="how-to-use-flaxseed"></a> 
How To Get Flaxseeds Into Your Diet 

 First you need to know the varieties of flaxseeds and the forms they come in. 

There are two varieties of flaxseeds for consumption; golden and brown flaxseeds. 

Brown flaxseed has only slightly more nutrients, so for cooking I  
prefer the golden flaxseed as it is lighter in flavour and easier to 
sneak in my baking. 

There are three forms of flaxseeds: 


 
<ol>
<li>Raw whole flaxseeds</li>
<li>Flaxseed meal</li>
<li>Flaxseed oil</li>
</ol>

Next we need to get some into our kitchen and for most of us that 
means going to the supermarket or health food store. Not many of us grow
 flaxseeds. J 

 How to Purchase Flaxseeds and Meal 

Flaxseeds need to be ground into flax meal to make the nutrients 
available.       No one will ever fully chew the seeds thus the whole 
seeds pass undigested through the intestines. 


 
<ul>
<li>Check to see the “Best Before” date on packaged flaxseeds and meal.</li>
<li>The bag should be opaque and vacuum packed. Light and oxygen will accelerate the meal going rancid.</li>
<li>Purchase from a source where you’re sure there is rapid turnover.</li>
<li>Ideally the meal should be refrigerated at the store.</li>
</ul>

How to Purchase Flaxseed Oil: 

Buy only refrigerated flaxseed oil stored in black containers and keep flax oil in the refrigerator with the lid on tight. 


 
<ul>
<li>It is important that it is cold pressed and organic.</li>
<li>Minimize exposure to heat, light, and air to minimise the oil going rancid.</li>
<li>Buy flaxseed oil in smaller containers, depending on how fast you use it as the oil easily turns rancid.</li>
</ul>

How to store and How Long Before Flaxseeds and Meal go Rancid 


 
<ul>
<li>Flaxseed meal when packaged in a gas-flushed, light protective container and refrigerated after opening will last 6-16 weeks.</li>
<li>Whole flaxseeds will last for 6-12 months when stored in an airtight
 container in a dark, cool dry spot. When immediately refrigerated, they
 can last for 1-2 years.</li>
<li>Conflicting information: some studies suggest that coarsely ground 
flax seeds can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 months, 
without spoilage or loss of the omega-3 fatty acid.</li>
</ul>

Flaxseeds have a mild nutty taste; if there is a bitter taste then they have gone bad and should be thrown out. 

  How to Add Flaxseed Oil to Your Diet: 


 
<ol>
<li>Never cook with flax oil! Any oil high in essential
 fatty acids are not good for cooking. The heat turns the healthy fats 
into toxic ones. Add flax oil to foods just before serving.</li>
<li>Flax oil turns rancid quickly.</li>
</ol>


 
<ul>
<li>Buy only refrigerated flax oil stored in black containers and keep flax oil in the refrigerator with the lid on tight.</li>
<li>It is important that it is cold pressed and organic.</li>
<li>Minimize exposure to heat, light, and air.</li>
<li>Use within 6 weeks of opening container; the oil easily turns rancid.</li>
<li>Buy flax oil in smaller containers, depending on how fast you use it.</li>
</ul>


 
<ol>
<li>Flax oil taken with other food can increase the nutritional value of other foods.</li>
<li>Add the oil to your homemade salad dressings.</li>
<li>You can pour a little on cooked vegetables and grains while they are already on your plate.</li>
<li>Put some in your smoothies.</li>
</ol>

 Caution about Flaxseeds:   
 

ANY food if over consumed can affect you negatively.  It depends on 
your overall health, your digestive health and how sensitive is your 
immune system. 

If you have a delicate digestive system, start with low doses of flax
 meal to begin with (one table spoon per day) and work up to two. If you
 have a significant digestive disorder, the fiber/laxative effect of 
flax could be serious. The National Institutes of Health recommends that
 people with bowel problems or disease should not consume flaxseed. 
People with strong digestive systems can eat up to five tablespoons per 
day with no problems. 

Some researchers are concerned about the levels of cyanide compounds 
(cyanogenic glycosides) in flaxseed, but all studies so far have shown 
that they do not create the anticipated problems in the body. 

Heat, especially on dry flax seeds, breaks these compounds down. U.S.
 government agencies say that 3 tablespoons of flaxseed meal is safe and
 is probably a good dose for health purposes. 
 

How to Add Flaxseeds to Your Diet: 
 

Flaxseed Meal: 

Heat doesn’t have the same effect on whole flaxseeds. Studies testing
 omega-3 fat in baked goods found no significant loss of beneficial fats
 occurring. To get flax seeds in your meals and baking is in the form of
 flax meal. 

Flaxseeds need to be ground into flax meal to make 
the nutrients available. No one will ever fully chew the seeds thus the 
whole seeds pass undigested through the intestines. 
 

It is best for you to make your own for freshness and it is easy to do; see my video on<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6YwVRD6NzQ">How to Prepare Flax Seed Meal</a> 
 
Baking with Flaxseed meal: 

Flaxseed meal is an important ingredient in my cakes, muffins, quick 
breads and cookies because all my baking is vegan meaning there are no 
eggs or milk. The flax meal helps to stick it all together. 
 

Egg replacer: 

1 Tbsp. Flax seed meal (ground flax seeds) 

3 Tbsp. Water 

Mix flax seed meal and water in a bowl and let it sit for two to three minutes to thicken it, before adding it to the recipe. 
 

Fat replacer: 

3 parts flax seed meal for 1 part oil 

Because you are flax meal contains lots of fibre then you need to adjust the flour mixture. 

Baked goods with flax meal tend to brown more quickly than regular recipes, you may have to modify normal cooking times.

Flaxseed Health Benefits and Uses

Unknown 0 Nutrition 14:24

Flaxseeds have been cultivated for their health benefits for 5000 years but it is only in the last few decades that nutritional science has realized just how good they are for us. “Wherever flax…

The 21 Best Weight Loss & Fitness Slogans

Unknown 0 Fitness, Weight Loss 12:14

We want YOU to lose weight and get in great shape! To succeed, you 
need to overcome the inevitable moments of doubt and weakness. And to do
 that, you to be motivated enough to do that last exercise or follow 
that diet even though you just want to give up. That’s why we have made a
 list of the 21 best weight loss and <a class="auto-link" href="http://diet-expert.org/10-funny-fitness-memes/" target="_blank" title="fitness">fitness</a> slogans out there (you might recognize a few famous ones). We think they are very inspirational. What do you think?

<ul>
<li>Find Your Strength!</li>
<li>Dream. Believe. Succeed!</li>
<li>Tomorrow’s Wish: Should Have Started Today.</li>
<li>Sweat Is Mandatory. Puking Is Optional.</li>
<li>Just Do It.</li>
<li>No Pain, No Gain. </li>
</ul>
<img alt="Motivational Poster" class="size-full wp-image-1157 " height="500" src="http://diet-expert.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Motivational-Poster.jpg" width="334" /><ul>
<li>The Healthy Way Is The Right Way.</li>
<li>Be All You Can Be.</li>
<li>Reach your potential!</li>
<li>Your Body. Your Life.</li>
<li>Better Body, Better Life.</li>
<li>Eat Wise. Drop a Size.</li>
<li>Eat Right, And The Pants Won’t Be Tight.</li>
<li>Eat To Live. Not Live To Eat.</li>
<li>Give Up The Fat, And The Belly Will Go Flat.</li>
<li>Don’t Be Large. Take Charge!</li>
<li>Don’t Wish For It. Work For It!</li>
<li>Work Like a Dog. Sweat Like a Pig. Look Like a Fox!</li>
<li>Believe In Yourself. Change Forever.</li>
<li>Today Is Another Chance To Make Yourself Proud.</li>
</ul>
And finally, the best AND shortest weight loss slogan:

<ul>
<li>No Excuses!</li>
</ul>
Write your favorite slogans down, and whenever you feel like 
quitting, read them out loud as many times as it takes for you to become
 motivated once again. If that doesn’t help, maybe some of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=inspiration&linkCode=ur2&tag=diet-expert-20&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks" target="_blank">these books on how to stay motivated</a> will. Good luck!

The 21 Best Weight Loss & Fitness Slogans

Unknown 0 Fitness, Weight Loss 12:14

What is a telecoil?

Unknown 0 Hearing loss 14:28

Did you know that your hearing aids have an antenna? Sort of. 

The telecoil, a small wire coiled around a rod located inside your 
hearing aids, works as an antenna to pick up magnetic signals and 
streams them as sound into your hearing aids. With this “<a href="http://www.widex.com/en/products/thewidexsound/programs/" target="_blank">T-setting</a>,”
 your hearing aids can stream the sound of a speaker’s voice or the 
music of the opera directly into your ears – without any pesky 
background noises. 

Here’s how it works:

What is a telecoil? 

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A telecoil is a small coil inside your hearing aids. The coil works 
as a small receiver which picks up signals from a loop system that acts 
as an electromagnetic field. Hearing aids with a activated telecoil can 
convert this electromagnetic field into a sound signal. Only the signal 
from the loop system’s microphone is amplified, and background noise is 
shut out. 

If your hearing aid has a telecoil, you can activate it via a “t-switch” on your hearing aids. 

 
How does a telecoil work? 

A telecoil acts as a sort of antenna for your ears. When you link 
this up with a sound system in a church or theater, you can get 
amplified sounds delivered directly into your hearing aids. So no matter
 where you are in the theater, you automatically have the best seat in 
the house. 

Hearing aid microphones are designed to pick up all sounds, but once 
in a while it’s important to tune in to only one thing – like when 
you’re listening to a concert or sitting in a classroom. When combined 
with assistive listening devices like <a href="http://www.widex.com/en/products/dex/mdex/" target="_blank">FM+DEX</a> and <a href="http://www.widex.com/en/products/scola/scolaproducts/" target="_blank">SCOLA</a>, telecoil systems stream the most important sound directly into your ears via your hearing aids.   

Using a telecoil with a loop system can improve the sound quality in 
situations with a lot of background noise. They’re also good for when 
you’re sitting far away from the sound you want to hear – like in a 
church or lecture. 

 
How do I turn on the telecoil in my hearing aid? 

Most hearing aids models have a switch that gives you access to 
receive signals either from the hearing aid microphone or a loop system.
 It is called a “T switch.” Activating the T-setting switches off the 
microphone - so only signals transmitted from the loop system are 
audible. 

In some situations it can be useful to receive signals via both 
telecoil and microphone – like when you want to hear the TV and 
surrounding sounds like your spouse´s voice. Many hearing aids therefore
 have an “MT” setting that allows for both the microphone and telecoil 
to be active. 

 
Where can I use a telecoil system? 

A telecoil can be used wherever a loop system is installed. When the 
telecoil function in a hearing aid is activated, sound sent through the 
loop system is amplified while background noise is shut out. 

Loop telecoil systems – also known as “hearing loops” or “audio 
induction loops” – are becoming more popular and can now be found in: 

- Churches 

- Concert halls 

-  Universities 

- Taxi cabs (London and New York City) 

- Airports 

- Museums (for guided tours) 

Look for this symbol to find a telecoil system where you are:

Do all hearing aids have telecoils? 

Most <a href="http://blog.widex.com/post/64283719449/what-is-your-type-of-hearing-aid" target="_blank">types of hearing aids</a>
 have the option available. Completely-in-canal and Invisible-in-canal 
hearing aids do not have telecoils due to their small size. 

Only a hearing professional will know which kind of hearing aid is 
best for your type of hearing loss. Ask your hearing professional how 
you can benefit from a telecoil in your hearing aids. Find your local 
hearing professional <a href="http://www.widex.com/shopfinder" target="_blank">here.</a>

What is a telecoil?

Unknown 0 Hearing loss 14:28

Did you know that your hearing aids have an antenna? Sort of. The telecoil, a small wire coiled around a rod located inside your hearing aids, works as an antenna to pick up magnetic signals and str…

10 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Unknown 0 Fitness 12:53

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Looking for a more natural way to treat your allergies? While no 
alternative or complementary treatment has been proven effective, some 
approaches have been studied scientifically: </div>
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<ul>
<li>Vitamin C.
 Recent studies suggest that it may be effective at treating allergies 
by lowering histamine levels in the bloodstream. So go for plenty of 
citrus fruits and juices, broccoli, berries, onions, dark greens and 
mangoes. But be careful, many people with pollen allergies have Oral 
Allergy Syndrome. These people can have severe itching and discomfort 
from various fruits and vegetables, and can have oral cavity swelling.</li>
<li>Butterbur (Petasites hybridus).
 In Switzerland, several studies in peer-reviewed medical journals have 
found that supplements derived from this plant reduced symptoms of 
allergic rhinitis, a.k.a. hay fever, in a majority of patients. Side 
effects were rare.</li>
<li>Quercetin. Supplements 
of this antioxidant, found in foods such as yellow onions, has been 
demonstrated in scientific studies to block substances involved in 
allergies. It can be used alone or with allergy medications.</li>
<li>Acupuncture.
 This treatment involves the placement of needles into specific points 
in the skin. The procedure is said to relieve hay fever symptoms.</li>
<li>Traditional Chinese medicine.
 Substances used here include Chinese skullcap (an herb with high 
content of antioxidants) as an anti-inflammatory with antihistamine 
properties and biminne (Chinese herbal formula) for the treatment of hay
 fever.</li>
</ul>
If you want to try one of these methods, be aware 
that they are not regulated for safety or efficacy. Some natural 
substances may inhibit histamine release, for example. That may be a 
good thing, but lowering histamine release too much may actually be 
dangerous. So if you’re already taking an OTC or prescription medication
 that inhibits histamines, the combo could spell trouble. 
Best 
bet: Tell your doctor everything you’re taking for your allergies, 
including supplements, OTC products and prescription medications. 
 
Reviewed by: Marc J. Sicklick, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

10 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Unknown 0 Fitness 12:53

Looking for a more natural way to treat your allergies? While no alternative or complementary treatment has been proven effective, some approaches have been studied scientifically: Vitamin C. Rec…

50% of Americans Suspect That HIV Is a Conspiracy

Unknown 0 AIDS, Diseases 04:50

<a href="http://0.tqn.com/h/aids/1/6/1/D/510px-CIA.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://0.tqn.com/h/aids/1/6/1/D/510px-CIA.svg.png" border="0" class="decoded" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/aids/1/6/1/D/510px-CIA.svg.png" /></a>At a time when many are a proclaiming that we, as a society, are overcoming the <a href="http://aids.about.com/od/hivtestingprevention/a/How-To-Cope-With-Stigma-Around-An-Hiv-Diagnosis.htm">stigma and social barriers related to HIV</a>, a new study from the University of Chicago suggests that we may still have some way to go.

According to the research published in the March 17th issue of Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine,
 49% of 1,351 Americans surveyed suspect that HIV was an intentional act
 of conspiracy linked to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The
 study, which looked at medical conspiracy theories relating to HIV and 
other diseases, was part of an online survey conducted from August to 
September 2013.

The selection of participants was weighed to best represent the U.S. 
population by age, ethnic group, income and gender, while the results 
were correlated to determine how and if any of the beliefs affected a 
person's health behavior.

Among the findings:

<ul>
<li>49% either strongly believe or question whether the CIA 
deliberately infected a large number of African Americans under the 
guise of hepatitis vaccinations.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>60% either strongly believe or question whether the government is 
fully aware that cell phones cause cancer, but is doing nothing about 
it. </li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>56% either strongly believe or question whether the government and 
medical community are hiding the fact that childhood vaccines cause 
autism and other psychological disorders.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>58% either strongly believe or question whether the global 
distribution of genetically modified foods is part of an international 
conspiracy to shrink the world population.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>68% either strongly believe or question whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is intentionally blocking <a href="http://aids.about.com/od/stayinghealthy/fl/HIV-and-the-Role-of-Nutritional-Supplements.htm">natural cures for HIV</a>, cancer and other diseases due to pressure from drug companies.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>53% either strongly believe or question whether the fluoridation of
 water is simply a way to dump by-products of phosphate mines into the 
environment.</li>
</ul>

While many would proclaim these conspiracies outright laughable, the 
sheer number of disbelievers and doubters is, at least to us, simply 
astonishing -- particularly when we see how these beliefs impact 
people's individual health judgment.

For example, the study showed that people who support conspiracy 
theories are seven times more likely to use herbal remedies than members
 of the general population. Similarly, only one-in-three conpiracists 
get annual physical exams compared to nearly half of American adults. 
They were also less likely to use sunscreen and habitually avoid annual 
flu inoculations (something considered vital in immunosuppressed people 
with HIV).

While the report didn't correlate HIV conspiracy beliefs to <a href="http://aids.about.com/od/hivtesting/fl/Who-Should-Get-an-HIV-Test.htm">HIV testing</a>
 or treatment, other studies have suggested that these kinds of beliefs 
may be part of the reason why 20% of HIV-infected American are still 
untested and <a href="http://aids.about.com/od/hivtestingprevention/ss/HIV-Testing-Gallery_3.htm">only 25% of those diagnosed</a> are able to achieve <a href="http://aids.about.com/od/aidsfactsheets/fl/What-Does-My-CD4-Count-and-Viral-Load-Mean.htm">undetectable viral loads</a>, considered the measure of treatment success. 
 
 By Dennis Sifris, MD and James Myhre

50% of Americans Suspect That HIV Is a Conspiracy