Hi there everybody this is Monica Reinagle and you're listening to

the nutrition diva quick and dirty tips for eating well and feeling fabulous

today's episode is all about flaxseed, why it's supposed to be so good for you,

and what to do with it once you've bought it.

This week's show topic was suggested by Debbie, who wrote from Okinawa, Japan. I keep hearing a lot about flaxseed and how wonderful it is for you, she writes.

I found some ground flaxseed in my grocery store and I bought it,

but I have no clue what to do with it.

Can you explain what flaxseed is supposed to do for you and give me some ideas how to use it?

Kunichihuah Debbie, thanks for your question and I know exactly what you mean.

Whoever's running PR for Flax is doing a great job. You could probably

sprinkle a few Flax seeds on a deep-fried twinkie and sell it as health food. So what exactly

makes these tiny little seeds so good for you anyway.

Well, like most seeds, flax seeds are a good source of fiber,

and they pack a fair amount of protein into a very small package.

But you don't see sesame seeds wearing this kind of health halo.

So it must be something else.

Well, flax seeds also contain lignans, compounds that seem to provide extra protection against many

types of cancer. Other seeds and nuts contain these compounds as well, but

flax seeds are particularly rich in lignans. And finally, flax seeds are very rich in omega-3 fatty

acids, which have all kinds of beneficial effects, such as reducing

inflammation, protecting against heart disease, bone loss, cancer, and diabetes.

Omega-3s are hot, hot, you can now buy peanut butter, eggs, mayonnaise, and other products

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