Thursday, March 14, 2013

Flax seed nutrition facts and Health Benefits




Flax seed, also known as linseed, is one of the ancient cultivated crops since Mesopotamian times, grown for its oil seeds, and fiber. The chewy seeds are packed with full of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, and essential vitamins. Off late, nutritional and health benefits of flax have widely drawn the attention of nutrition researchers as well as health enthusiasts alike across the planet.
Flax belongs to the family of Linaceae, of the genus of Linum, and botanically named as Linum usitatissimum. 



Flax is one of the easily cultivated crops, flourish well both in tropical and subtropical climates, with its higher production as a field crop noted in fertile river valleys. It is an erect annual plant growing about 1 to 1.5 meters tall and bears light-blue colored attractive flowers.




The fruit pod is a round, dry capsule 6–9 mm diameter, containing several brown or golden-yellow seeds (depending on cultivar type). The seeds feature smooth, glossy surface and flat shape that somewhat appear like 
sesame seeds, but quite larger, measuring about 5–7 mm in length.
In general, there exist two common cultivars of flax; one is predominantly grown for its oil seeds and the other variety for fiber. Seed flax generally features brown, and yellow or golden-yellow color seeds, with most types having similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Health benefits of Flax seed
  • As in other oil seeds, flax too is one of the very high-calorie foods. 100 g of seeds contain 534 calories or 27% of daily-required levels. Further, the seeds are an excellent source of numerous health-benefiting nutrients, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
  • Flax seed is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. It is also one of the top vegetable sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic acids. Regular intake of small portions of flax seeds in the diet helps to lower total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increases HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
  • Flax seeds are perhaps one of the most widely available botanical sources of n−3 or ω (omega)-3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil consists of approximately 55% ALA (α-linolenic acid). One spoonful of flax seed oil provides about 8 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Research studies have suggested that n-3 fatty acids by their virtue of anti-inflammatory action help lower the risk of blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes and breast, colon and prostate cancers. Adequate quantities of n-3 oils are required for normal infant development and maturation of nervous system.
  • The seeds contain lignans, a class of phytoestrogens considered to have antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.
  • Flax are an excellent source of vitamin E, especially rich in gamma-tocopherol; containing about 20 g (133% of daily-recommended values) per 100 g. vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
  • The seeds are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin,thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. Thiamin is an essential co-factor for carbohydrate metabolism and helps prevent beri-beri disease. Folates help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus when consumed during pre-conception period and pregnancy.
  • Furthermore, flax seed is rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.
  • Flax or linseed oil has flavorful nutty aroma and has been used in cooking, and as “carrier" or "base oil” in traditional medicines and in pharmaceutical uses.






See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum),
Nutritional value per 100 g.
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle
Nutrient Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
534 Kcal
27%
Carbohydrates
28.8 g
22%
Protein
18.3 g
32.5%
Total Fat
42.16 g
170%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fiber
27.3 g
68%
Vitamins
Folates
87 µg
22%
Niacin
3.08 mg
19%
Pantothenic acid
0.985 mg
20%
Pyridoxine
0.473 mg
36%
Riboflavin
0.161 mg
12%
Thiamin
1.64 mg
137%
Vitamin A
0 IU
0%
Vitamin C
0.6 mg
1%
Vitamin E
19.95 mg
133%
Vitamin K
4.3 µg
3.5%
Electrolytes
Sodium
30 mg
2%
Potassium
813 mg
17%
Minerals
Calcium
255 mg
22.5%
Copper
1.12 mg
124%
Iron
5.73 mg
72%
Magnesium
392 mg
98%
Manganese
2.48 mg
108%
Zinc
4.34 mg
39%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß
0 µg
--
Lutein-zeaxanthin
651 µg
--
Selection and storage
Flax seeds are available in the market year around. In the stores, one may come across different forms of flax such as whole dry seeds, roasted, ground, etc. Attempt to buy whole, golden-yellow flax seeds instead of ground (powder) as it ensures that the seeds are intact in nutrients, unadulterated and have a longer shelf life. 
There are two varieties of flax seeds; brown and yellow or golden, with most types having similar nutritional values and almost same amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds should feature bright, brown or golden-yellow (depending on the variety) color, smooth, compact, and uniform in size and feel heavy in hand. They are generally available in the airtight packs as well as in bulk bins.
Whole seeds may be placed in cool dry place for many months, while the ground form should be placed inside airtight container and kept in the refrigerator to avoid them turn rancid.


Culinary use
Flax seeds are rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Exposing the ground seeds for longer time in the powder form oxidizes their fatty acids and deprives them of their nutritional value. Therefore, generally, the seeds are ground in a coffee or nut/seed grinder just before use in order to preserve their nutrition-profile.
The seeds can also be enjoyed as snacks either roasted, salted, or sweetened.
  • Flax seeds are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. Ground seeds are a great addition as toppings in yogurt, desserts, shakes, cereal based dishes, etc.
  • Ground seeds often sprinkled over salads, desserts, particularly sundaes and other ice cream based preparations.
  • Flax is widely used in confectionery, as an addition to biscuits, sweets, muffins and cakes.


Safety profile
Flax-seeds have no harmful effects on health when used in moderation. However, flax contains lots of mucilage fiber in their coat which when eaten in large amounts may cause stomach pain, bloating, and laxative diarrhea. Eating raw flax seed is not advised for its risk of cyanogen-glycosides toxicity.
In addition, lignans in flax possess estrogen-like activity. It is therefore, excess consumption of flax, and its products may not be advised during pregnancy for its possible hormone interactions. (Medical disclaimer).


Flax Fights Cholesterol

The consumption of flaxseed is associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, including the LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Study after study has shown a positive response to eating ground flax seed daily. Eating low fat foods, increasing your exercise, limiting the salt, sugar and eating flax seed daily are a few ways that you can win the battle against high cholesterol.

Flax Fights Diabetes

Nutritionists are instructing their diabetic patients to eat flax daily. It has been discovered that the omega-3 fat and high fiber in flax may play a role in the fight against diabetes. In a study conducted by the University of Toronto, participants who ate flaxseed bread had blood sugar levels 28% lower an hour after eating than their counterparts who ate bread made with wheat flour!

Flax Fights Cancer

Flaxseed is high in lignans, up to 800 times the amount as in any tested plant food. Lignans (a phytoestrogen) have been called by H. Adlercreutz (in his article “Phytoestrogens: Epidemiology and a Possible Role in Cancer Protection”), natural cancer-protective compounds. Flax seed is also high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA) which has been found to be promising as a cancer fighting agent. The American National Cancer Institute has singled out flaxseed as one of six foods that deserve special study. Flax seed's high fiber aspect is also beneficial in the fight against colon cancer. Epidemiological studies note that diet plays a major role in the incidence of colon cancer. Research has shown that increasing the amount of fiber in your diet reduces your colon-cancer risk. Flax seed, high in fiber, lignans, alpha linolenic acid, is a key player in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.

Flax Fights Constipation

Flax is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. One ounce of flax provides 32% of the USDA’s reference daily intake of fiber. Flax promotes regular bowel movements because it is high in insoluble fiber. Flaxseed's all natural fiber helps to absorb water, thereby softening the stool and allowing it to pass through the colon quickly. When adding fiber to your diet, it is important to make sure that you are drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. Without enough liquids, fiber can actually cause constipation! In the fight against constipation exercise, eat fruits and vegetables, drink eight glasses of water daily and add two to four tablespoons of flax to your daily regime!

Flax Fights Inflammation

Flax is high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids. That’s good news for people who suffer from inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. Health experts, such as former Surgeon General C. Evertt Koop, recommend eating foods high in Omega 3’s for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It is the inflammation within the joints that cause so much of the pain associated with arthritis. The January 1996 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that the participants in a study that took flax oil daily reduced inflammatory responses by as much as 30%.

Flax Fights Menopausal Symptoms

Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, moodiness…ah, the joys of menopause. Can flax really help? Yes it can! Flax, like soy, is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances that are found in plants. Flax is the richest known plant source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens act as a natural hormone therapy and help to stabilize hormonal levels. This stabilization of hormonal levels helps to lesson the symptoms of menopause.

Flax fights Heart Disease

Heart disease, the number one killer in America, has claimed the lives of too many of our family and friends. Years of a sedentary lifestyle, super size meals and processed foods has finally caught up with us. Can flax help? Yes it can. Numerous studies have been done on the effect of flax on heart disease, yielding many positive findings. Flax has been found to help reduce total cholesterol, LDL levels (the bad cholesterol), triglycerides. Flax helps to reduce clotting time and thereby reduces the chance for heart attacks and strokes. Regular intake of flax protects against arrhythmias and helps keep the arteries clear and pliable!

Flax and the Immune System

Across the table, your co-worker sneezes, no tissue in sight, you feel a light spray hit your face and shudder. Standing in a crowded elevator, in a busy mall, or in an airplane, you sometimes feel like you can’t escape getting at least one or two colds each year…or can you? Research has found that eating flax daily favorably affects immunity, the body’s ability to defend itself successfully against bacteria and viruses. Two components of flax, lignans and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), have been found to affect immune cells and compounds that control immune reaction.

Flax fights “The Blues”

It’s that tired feeling that a good night's rest won’t shake… that listless down in the dumps feeling that you just can’t get rid of. We call it “the blues”, otherwise known as atypical depression, the most common form of depression. Preliminary research suggests that eating a diet rich in flax could slash your risk of ever feeling “down in the dumps”. Follow up studies show that just 2-3 tablespoons of flax daily can help up to 2/3rds of severely depressed women bounce back within eight weeks. Flax, says Udo Erasmus, PhD, has a mood boosting ingredient: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is essential for the proper function of brain cells, yet up to 85% of women aren’t getting enough of it. Early research conducted by Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center notes that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be important for brain development. She stated that some participants in the study saw a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s from eating a diet high in Omege-3 fatty acids(Flax is the richest source of Omega 3’s in the plant kingdom). More research is needed in the area of flax and its relation to depression and brain function, however preliminary research is very promising.

Information Source:

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Health benefits of Amla




50 Know Health Benefits of Amla

Know Everything about Amla fruit  

























The Amla or Neelikkai (Phyllanthus Embilca) is also called Amalka in Hindi. 
In Sanskrit its name is Amalaki, which translates as ‘the sustainer’ or ‘the fruit where the goddess of prosperity presides’.
 
The English term for Amla is Indian gooseberry.


Health benefits of the Indian Gooseberry or Amla can be attributed to the high vitamin C content.
Amla juice contains nearly twenty times as much vitamin C as orange juice.

One small Amla is equals to 2 Oranges if compared with Vitamin C.
The Vitamin C in the Amalaki fruit is bonded with tannins that protect it from being destroyed by heat or light.

Ayurved says that regular use of Amla can a help us live more than 100 years, a healthy life.

Amla the richest natural source of vitamin C.
It tastes sour. Both dried and fresh fruits can be used.
The fresh fruit contains more than 80% water, protein, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber
It contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent.
 

The Indian Gooseberry belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
 

It is also a very important ingredient in the famous Chyavanaprash, and a constituent of Triphala (three fruits) powder.
 

The Amla fruit tree has been worshipped in India from ancient times as the ‘Earth Mother’.

In Chinese traditional therapy, Amla fruit is called Yuganzi which is used to cure throat inflammation.

The nutrition values of Amala are:
 
1. moisture, 91.4;
2. mineral matter, 0.7;
 
3. fiber, 3.4; calorie,
 
4. 96 (energy);
 
5. protein, 0.9;
 
6. fat, 0.1;
 
7. carbohydrate, 6.9g.
 
8. calcium, 34;
 
9. iron, 1.2;
 
10. vitamin B-1, 0.02;
 
11. vitamin B-2, 0.08,
 
12. vitamin C 463 mg. /100gms.

Common Names of Amla
 

1. Hindi - Aamla
 
2. English - Gooseberry , Emblic Myrobalam
3.
Latin - Emblica offcinalis Gaerte
4. Sanskrit - Amalki, Dhatri, amalika
 
5. Gujarati - Aamla
 
6. Punjabi - Olay
7. Assamese -Amlakhi
 
8. Odiya - Aanla
 
9. Tamil - Nellikkai
 
10. Kannada - Nellikkaai
 
11. Telugu - Usiri
 
12. Malayalam- Nellikka
 
13. Marathi - Aavalaa
 
14. Bangla - Amloki
 
15. Chinese - Anmole
 
16.
Nepali - Amala 

Following are the Health benefits, advantages of Amla.
Daily consumption is about 2 to 3 amla's preferably morning time.
Can also be consumed in the form of Juice.
Amla Candy is the dried form of Amla Fruit in Sugar Syrup.

1. Amla is a vrishya herb, which means that it enhances all the seven tissues (dhatus), including the reproductive tissue.
2. Amla is useful in treating skin diseases. it has sheet virya in potency. It inhibits pitta and thus helps in getting relief from all the skin disorders caused by pitta .
3. Scientists at the Ferrara University in Italy have found that amla extracts slow the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.
4. Amla powder helps to clear pimples and acne
5. Amla prevents health related hyperlipidaemia through attenuating oxidative stress in the ageing process.
6. Applying the paste of ground seeds of Amla mixed with lemon- especially on the roots of the hair and washing after half an hour will clear the lices from the hair.
7. It enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens roots of hair, maintains color.
 
8. Amla powder prevents dandruff
9. Amla Protects the body from radiation
10. It helps in chronic cough, child hood, tuberculosis and allergic asthma .
11. Taking Amla juice with honey is good for improving eyesight.
12. Amla is rich in antibacterial qualities; it helps the body fight better against infection and also builds up your immunity, which makes you more resistant to diseases.
13. Amla stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient. Amla Juice with a pinch of turmeric twice a day before each meal.
14. Amla strengthens heart muscles.
15. It improves body resistance.
16. Due to its strong, cooling and laxative properties Amla is useful for remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. The dried Amla fruit is astringent and useful in cases of diarrhea and dysentery.
17. Amla helps to get relief for gastric syndrome and hyperchlorhydria (burning sensation in abdomen).
18. fever
19. liver disorder , Amla is excellent live tonic
 
20. If you take powder of Amlaki mixed with sugar in milk, about two time everyday, you will be cured of acidity completely.
21. The application of a small quantity of Amla oil to the head before bathing removes diseases of the eyes, night blindness and bilious giddiness
22. Indigestion - Dried Amla is an excellent digestive, which can be consumed after meals.
23. Taking fresh Amla juice with half tsp of ghee and 1 tsp. of honey and 100 gms. of milk-after lunch helps in curing piles problem.
24. anemia
25. It provides nourishment to the nerves and is helpful in paralytic situation.
26. urinary problems
27. respiratory problems
28. cerebral, gastro
 
29. cardiovascular illness
30. It lowers cholesterol level.
 
31. Amla juice or powder with honey purifies blood.
32. It increases red blood cell production
 
33. Amla increases Hemoglobin.
34. Amla strengthens teeth and nails.
35. Amla helps to reduce menstrual disorders. Keeps it regular.
36. It also acts as anti-inflammatory agent thereby suppresses swelling and pain.
37. Amla confection is used in syphilis, flatulence, bronchitis, asthma and consumption.
38. To prevent or cure diabetes take a fresh one-fourth cup of Amla or a tea spoon of Amla powder with a tea spoon of turmeric powder everyday.
39. Amla is rich in chromium, which makes it very beneficial for diabetics.
40. Amla and the Jamun fruit are mixed together, this mixture when taken in a teaspoon two time a day, can help in curing diabetes.
41. To get relief from acidity, mix one gram of amla powder with some sugar and add it to a glass of water drink it twice a day.
42. It supports strength of heart and lungs.
43. Amla is good for Brain. To revitalize brain take a cupful of sugarless milk with the murabba of Amla.
44. Amla helps to improve memory
45. Taking Amla powder with radish helps in checking stone in bladder by breaking the stones and throwing it out with urine.
46. Amla is helpful in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar level.
47. Amla with honey every day for one mouth cures the problem of leucorrhoea.
48. Amla also helps boost protein metabolism. As amla enhances metabolism, it helps you lose weight faster.
49. Amla supports the reproductive systems of both men and women and can help overcome difficulty in conceiving.
50. Amla revitalizes the semen. It helps in improving quality of sperms due to its sweet vipaka property.

According to U.S. RDA, daily intake of dietary vitamin C is as below:

1. Infants (age below 1 year): 30 to 35 mg
2. Children (age 1 to 14 years): 40 to 50 mg
3. Adolescent (age 15 to 18 years): 65 to 75 mg
4. Men (age over 18 years): 90 mg
5. Women (age over 18 years): 75 mg

Information courtesy: