Keep it SIMPLE tip: Bone Health

July 24, 2004

Bone Health

Keep it SIMPLE tip for Bone Health

Flaxseed

Flaxseed’s Proven Osteoporosis Protection

Flaxseed is about as perfect as a food can get. Its multi-system

benefits have earned it a prominent position in my diet and supplementation

program years ago. And it’s gratifying to see a growing body of

clinical literature confirming the benefits of flaxseed. Since nearly

50 percent of American women are currently at risk of an osteoporosis-related

fracture, I’m particularly excited to share news of a study that

confirms flaxseed’s osteoporosis protection benefits.

A study published in the Journal of the American

Neutraceutical Association examined the effects of flaxseed

consumption on postmenopausal women who were not taking hormone

replacement therapy (HRT). The authors found that daily addition

of 38 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of ground flaxseed to the diet

significantly reduced the rate of bone loss. They suggest that flaxseed’s

positive effects on bone metabolism may be the result of its antioxidant

properties and its ability to decrease calcium loss in the urine.

For the millions of women who are worried about osteoporosis but

have opted not to use HRT, this is very encouraging news.

Ground flax meal—the ground form of

flaxseed—is a cornerstone of my natural osteoporosis program.

Its high content of minerals necessary for bone health (including

calcium and magnesium), alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid and

phytoestrogens (flax lignans) make it a “natural” for

bone protection. Try stirring 4 to 6 tablespoons ground flax meal

a day into soy or rice milk, and using the mixture in shakes or

smoothies. (Use purchased flax meal or grind your own using a seed

or coffee grinder.) Or sprinkle the flaxmeal on cooked oatmeal;

its buttery flavor makes the combination a tasty breakfast cereal.

Read More on Bone Health:

Getting Started

The Role of Our Bones

The Bone Matrix

Four Steps to Stronger Bones

Keep it SIMPLE Bone Health tip — Flaxseed

Nutritional Therapies

Supplements for Stronger Bones

Increase Your Soy Intake

Foods that Break Down Bone

Complementary Therapies

An Ancient Solution to a Modern Problem

Tie Dye Smoothie