Flax seed: What is it and should we eat it?

First cultivated in Egypt thousands of years ago, flax seed comes from the flax plant which grows to about 2 feet tall. It comes as either whole flax seed or ground flax seed and I recommend the ground version for dietary consumption to better absorb the nutrients. The benefits of ground flax seed? Flax is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid. A tbsp per day provides our daily recommended intake of ALA and is a good source of vitamin B1, copper, manganese and magnesium. Flax is also a good source of fiber and research shows flax may decrease inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of hormone dependent cancers.