Nowadays, scientists are taking a closer look at the myriad of herbal remedies that many civilizations used. Flax is one of the herbs that has renewed its popularity in recent years.

Flaxseed was first used medicinally by the Egyptians as a mild laxative. Now, many people are also contributing it to aiding a plethora of other problems such as: Heart disease, various cancers, high cholesterol, arthritis, high blood pressure, menstrual pain, burns, and acne.

The reason that flaxseed is contributing to these common health problems is because it contains alpha-linolenic acid. This acid is part of the omega-3 fatty acids which is very important in maintaining good health. Many health food stores are now promoting flaxseed in a variety of ways. Flaxseed also contains lignans which are a great dietary source of fiber.

Flaxseed oil is now bottled, but it is important to know that you cannot fry or saute with it. You also must keep in mind that the oil has a very short shelf life. Another way to purchase flaxseed is in its “floured” form. By combining flaxseed flour with regular flour, your bread, muffins, and other baking creations are a lot healthier.

Many health professionals will warn people not to buy flaxseed supplements. However, supplements are sold now in many stores and it is up to the consumer to make that decision. In eating flaxseed by itself, it is better to grind the seeds or to at least chew them well. They will have no effect to your health if they go undigested. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding are warned not to ingest large quantities of this herb and, like everything else, there is a chance of having an allergic reaction.

Flaxseed has not been proven in the scientific community that it will cure cancer and change your health dramatically. Like everything else, it is up to the consumer to eat a balanced, healthy diet and to exercise regularly.

What makes the Chia Seed the super food that many claim it to be?

• 30% of the chia seed’s oil is Omega 3 oil. 40% of its oil is Omega 6 oil. This provides the nice balance those who take supplemental Essential Fatty Acids are looking for. The chia seed’s substantially dense percentage in alpha-linolenic fatty acid also makes this seed a healthy dietary source of fatty acids.
• You do not need to grind the Chia Seeds to digest it. It is a relatively easy to digest seed, whereas flax seeds are not. Often, one has to grind flax seeds to be able to process them in their digestive system. That is not the case with chia seeds.
• The chia seeds are great for athletes because they are highly hydrophilic. Being hydrophilic means it absorbs large amounts of water. Chia Seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer.
• Studies show that eating chia seed slows down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This leads scientists to believe that the chia seed may have great benefits for diabetics.
• The chia seed gels when becoming wet and this gel, when in our digestive systems, helps prevent some of the food, hence calories that we eat from getting absorbed into our system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper. Eating the seeds also helps dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry!
• Chia seeds provide antioxidant activity
• Chia is a great addition to a detoxification program. Chia seeds are high in fiber and in healthy oils making them an excellent addition to many detox programs.
• Mix Chia seeds into yogurt, sprinkle them on cereal in the morning, add to salads, or even add them to your baking. There are many ways to add chia seeds into your daily routine!

Around for centuries, the chia seed in only now starting to gain recognition as the super food that many health gurus have always known it to be. Will this be a short lived health fad or will the chia seed become common place in the household cupboards of the 21st century?