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<h2>Flaxseed</h2>
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Flaxseed derives from the flax plant, which has been around since the beginning of the world. From the beginning of time the usefulness of flaxseed for healing has been noted and well used by many civilizations. Flaxseed is one of the oldest and original of all healthy foods. The botanical name for flaxseed is Linum usitatissimum and it was first used by the ancient Egyptians for both nutritional as well as medicinal reasons. Employed as a healing method during the days of the Roman Empire, Hippocrates used it frequently in treating his patients. In particular flaxseed was once used as a mild laxative as it was found to be high in fiber and a gummy material called mucilage. 
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The flax plant is blue in color and is readily to be found growing in the Western Canadian Prairies. Both the seeds and the oil are essential elements of the flax plant. Flaxseed oil is very high in an essential fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is beneficial to those who suffer from circulatory problems and a variety of heart conditions. ALA is a member of the all-important substances known as omega-3 fatty acids. <o:p></o:p>
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Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are both important for health but even more important is to get the proper ratio of each. The ration of omega 3 fatty acids to omega 6 fatty acids is 1:2. Flaxseed oil is particularly beneficial for the heart because it is one of the best sources of alpha-linolenic acid around. It is important to note that flaxseeds are not easily digested by the body so they should always be crushed up before consuming. That also includes before they are added into recipes such as muffins for example. <o:p></o:p>
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Traditionally flaxseeds and flaxseed oil has been used to improve the functioning of the heart and also as a way to bring down inflammation in the body. Flaxseed oil has many other benefits for health as well. It is an excellent way to maintain hair that is shiny and healthy and skin that is in good condition. Flaxseed oil provides temporary relief from the pain and discomfort that accompanies arthritis ands rheumatism as well as temporary relief of bloating, fluid retention and breast tenderness and pain. Peripheral circulation can be greatly improved due to consuming flaxseed oil on a consistent basis and bruising and other types of skin inflammation can be reduced due to the presence of flaxseed oil in the body.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
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