The #Cancer-Fighting Benefits of #Flaxseed

By Ty Bollinger

Over the past few years you’ve likely read or heard that flaxseeds are good for you. You may not have a clear understanding, however, of the many health benefits of flaxseed and why they play an important role in your anti-cancer diet.

What is Flaxseed?

From the name, you can tell that it is the seed of the flax plant. Its fibers are woven to make linen fabric and the oil (referred to as linseed oil) is used in wood finishing.  

It’s the seeds, though, that are the stars of this pretty, ornamental plant. Flaxseed sometimes imparts a mild, nutty essence when added to food but other ingredients easily overshadow the taste. This allows you to add it to recipes without really altering the flavor.

What Makes Flaxseed So Healthy?

Flaxseed has an amazing amount of nutrients and is the best source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are healthy fats shown to reduce levels of cholesterol in your system. Other sources of omega-3s include fatty fish and walnuts. Flaxseed also contains nine amino acids that, when appearing together, make a complete protein like those found in dairy and meat.  

Their high fiber content (approximately 3 grams per tablespoon), is hugely beneficial to your overall

How #Barley Fights #Cancer and Other #HealthBenefits

By Ty Bollinger

Barley has written its own history since the era of the ancient Egyptians. More than ten thousand years ago, ancient Egyptians were using barley, one of the earth’s oldest grains. They used it as food for humans and animals. The grain was also used in making alcoholic beverages and barley water for medicinal purposes.

The ancient Greeks used barley for making bread and served it as food for their athletes. They believed that barley bread contributed to the athlete’s overall strength. Even in ancient China, they recognized this special grain as a symbol of male virility.

In 1494, Christopher Columbus introduced barley to the land of America. However, even with barley’s ancient history, Americans do not include it as one of their staple foods. Unlike wheat and oats, barley was unpopular… until now! Barley has recently gained some recognition, not only in the culinary field, but also in the medicinal field as scientists have uncovered its astounding health benefits.

Today, Canada, the United States, Russia, Germany, France and Spain are the world’s largest producers of barley. It is a rich source of fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals that combat several types of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Including barley in your meals is an appetizing way to combat these diseases since it has a rich, nutty flavor with a chewy consistency.

Barley resembles wheat berries but is lighter in color. It is also notable for its maltose content which is used for making malt syrup sweeteners. Breweries also use the grain for making beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages (although I don’t recommend those as part of your cancer-fighting diet!)

How Barley Fights Cancer

It was mentioned earlier that barley has the ability to combat cancer. Since it is naturally rich in fiber,