#Vegan ABC's: Flax seed may fight heart disease and cancer, and makes your vegan cookies "stick"!

Flax has been used by man for it's fibers since at least 34,000 BC. Flax seed is used in hundreds of food products including breads, crackers, even frozen waffles, and is even used in chicken feed to produce those eggs rich in omega-3. Flax seeds are a fantastic source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and important phytonutrient compounds called lignans.

• Alpha linolenic acid: Possibly one the most important forms of omega-3, ALA, or alpha linolenic acid, has been shown to help the body resist the worst of chronic diseases. Numerous studies have shown the ALA in flax seeds may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, halt the development of prostrate and breast cancer, and protect against heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
  
  
• Fiber: Flax seed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and aids digestion. Soluble fiber lowers cholesterol by preventing bile from being reabsorbed by the intestine. The liver then produces LDL receptors to pull cholesterol from the blood to produce more bile. How cool is that?!
  
  
• Lignans: If flax seed was a football team, lignan compounds would be the star quarterback! Lignans are thought to protect against cancer by blocking enzymes and interfering with the growth of tumors. Studies have shown lignans are associated with reduced risk of breast, colon and prostrate cancers, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrom, and more!

But who cares about all that stuff? Show me the cookies! One tablespoon of ground flax seed mixed with three tablespoons of water replaces one egg in just about any baked good. So, sprinkle it on your smoothie or your cereal, or use it to make awesome vegan cookies and cupcakes, but get your flax seed today!

Sources: Wikipedia, The World's Healthiest Foods, Lignan: foods high in lignans, WebMD, Foods That Lower Cholesterol, Golden Flax