Wheat germ and flax, a great addition to a healthy diet!

Flaxseed and wheat germ have lots of benefits. Flaxseed and wheat germ provide nearly every nutrient
Flaxseed and wheat germ provide nearly every nutrient except Vitamin C,bioflavanoids, and chlorophyll.

Benefits Of Flax Seed Oil
The main benefit of flax oil is what it does for the brain and nerves, but because it helps prevent circulatory problems and cancer, the two major killer health conditions, it has really become popular.

The flax seed oil health benefits are primarily due to it being the highest food source of crucially needed Omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3's are crucial to good brain and nerve function. They also reduce arthritis and other inflammation and pain, and help keep cholesterol lower. Omega 3's aid the body in oxygen absorption.

The quality of the skin, hair and nails are improved by the flax oil.

Flax oil also helps with weight control. Some of the most popular weight-loss product packages have flax oil capsules (also known as "linseed oil") as a key component. This oil emulsifies fat in the body and moves it along.

The benefits of flax seed oil are just a part of flax benefits. The whole flax seed's health benefits are far greater than the oil alone can provide.

Benefits of Whole Flax Seed -

STRESS & DEPRESSION

The Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) in flax seed is the source of the Omega 3 fatty acids. A key one is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). This fatty acid is crucial to brain function, and is often deficient in modern people.

DHA is important for brain development in children, for calming in the face of stress, for mental acuity, and for memory. Having enough of it makes one calmer and smarter, and it may prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease.

CANCER

Dr. Budwig's studies on the anti-cancer benefits of flax seed suggested that it was important to have a protein food to be eaten with flax oil so that lipo-proteins could be formed to deliver the Essential Fatty Acids.

Actually, the whole milled flax seed with its 22% protein, including all the essential amino acids, is a much better way of providing those needed proteins with the essential fats -- all contained in the same food.

LOWERING CHOLESTEROL & PREVENTING HEART DISEASE

A combination of the Alpha Linoleic Acid (source of Omega 3 fatty acids), the lignans (protective anti-oxidants), and the superior soluble fiber in whole flax seed, will do the best job of lowering (bad) cholesterol and tryglycerides.

Omega 3 fatty acids also help lessen clotting time, reducing formation of blood clots that might bring on a heart attack or stroke. Arteries will be cleaner and more pliable.

COLON TROUBLES

Flax provides the perfect blend of soluble and insoluble fiber for the better health of the intestinal tract.

Consumed with plenty of pure water, flax seed softens the stool and makes bowel elimination easier, a blessing to those with any level of constipation.

Also flax gently cleans excess mucus and other debris from the small intestine, improving absorption.

IMMUNE CHALLENGES

There are at least two different elements in flax seed that help the immune system do what it needs to do. The omega 3 fatty acids from Alpha Linolenic Acid and the protective antioxidants called lignans, can work together to enhance the immune response, or to tone it down if it is in hyper mode.

ASTHMA

The omega 3 fatty acids are thought to reduce the inflammation of asthma. The mucilage in flax fiber is also good for the lungs.

ARTHRITIS AND INFLAMMATION

The Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce joint inflammation.

DIABETES

In a University of Toronto study, flaxseed bread was shown to lower blood sugar by 28% within an hour vs. those who ate otherwise similar bread with no flax content.

MENSTRUAL DIFFICULTIES

Flax seed, like soybeans, is rich in phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have effects like the hormone, estrogen. These can help with all kinds of female problems, including menopause.

WHEAT GERM

"Wheat germ" is a nutritious super food, rich in vitamin B complex, vitamin E, enzymes, minerals and more.

To get the benefit of wheat germ, it needs to be truly fresh.


Wheat Germ Contents and Benefits

Octacosanol

Wheat germ is the highest source among few foods containing Octacosanol, a group of long-chain food molecules that benefit the body in many ways.

Octacosanol has been found to

*lower blood levels of cholesterol

*improve energy storage in muscles

*enhance performance, endurance and stamina, even at high altitudes

*quicken reflexes

spark alertness

*improve oxygen utilization

*balance metabolism

*increase ability to handle stress


Vitamin E

Wheat germ is the highest food in vitamin E complex (including all three tocopherols, not just the alpha, which is all that most "vitamin E" supplements have.) -- Tocopherols are natural antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, cancer & aging.

Vitamin E protects the muscles, blood, lungs, & eyes; prevents blood clots; and strengthens the immune system.

An adequate amount of vitamin E lowers the risk of heart disease between 1/3 & 1/2. (Study at Harvard Univ. School of Public Health)

A deficiency can cause ischemic heart disease (study by World Health Org.), sterility, impotence, miscarriage, loss of vitality, arthritis and paralysis.

B Vitamins

Wheat germs is one of highest foods in B-complex vitamins, good for metabolism & handling stress. It is especially high in B-6 & folic acid which lower homocysteine levels, preventing arterial damage. B vitamins are needed for energy, digestion, nerves, muscles, skin & hair, organs, growth and repair of tissues, and more.

Protein

Wheat germ is abundantly rich in Protein (28.9%). High quality protein is absolutely essential for repair of tissues and for carrying minerals and other nutrients into cells.

Other Nutrients in Wheat Germ

*good source of Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) & enzymes

* two tablespoons (about 25 grams) per day provides the RDA of chromium & manganese

* provides these and other minerals in highly absorbable organically-bonded form.


2 tablespoons per day is enough for an adult.


This information came from www.flaxfood.com