Many Uses of Flax
Flax, also known as Linum usitatissimum, has been cultivated since ancient times as a source of food or fiber. The plant grows to be about 3 feet high, has small blue or bright red flowers and thrives in cold, northern climates. Each flower produces 7 to 10 flaxseeds, which are slightly larger than sesame seeds, with hard, shiny husks that range in color from amber to reddish brown, depending on whether the flax plant is of the golden or brown variety. Nutritionally, there is no difference between the two varieties.
Health wise, whole flaxseed are excellent source of soluble fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to Omega-3 ALA, flaxseed also contains protein, dietary fiber and lignans-and all of these components together create synergies beyond the sum of their parts. milled flax seed or grinded flaxseed is the best way to bring out all of its nutritional benefits.
But aside from these do you know that there are also so many other uses of flax? Flax is grown not only for its seeds alone. Flax are also grown in many places also for its fibers. Other various parts of the plant have been used even before to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets and soap. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Imagine the many benefits of this plant to humans, they are not only healthy but are also helpful in many way. Whew, what a small but terrible
plant flax are, indeed some great things comes in small packages.