The super seed: the benefits of flaxseed are too abundant to pass up. Here's the lowdown on this healthful hero.(otherwise the linseed)

Imagine a whole-food supplement that provides proteins, minerals and vitamins, and may help everything from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to blood pressure and digestion. And that's not all: It covers the gamut of "anti" properties in a single bound, providing antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticholesterol, antilupus and antioxidant benefits.

This superhero of the supplement world is flaxseed, also known as linseed. Flaxseed is an exceptional source of mucilage fiber, which soothes the intestinal tract and slows down absorption of glucose from the intestine--this superpower is helpful to hypoglycemics, diabetics and obese individuals. Mucilage also helps establish and maintain bowel regularity; prevents bacteria from taking hold in intestines; and escorts cholesterol, bile acids and toxins out of the body.

Another of flax's superpowers is its ability to provide essential nutrients. "Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans [phytonutrient carbohydrates thought to fight cancer and diabetes], fiber and proteins," says Elizabeth Lipski, nutritionist and author of Digestive Wellness. All of which are beneficial to the body. "Anyone who is at risk of heart disease, breast cancer or prostate cancer (nearly all of us) should take this supplement," says Lipski.

But shopping for flax isn't always easy, since form and packaging can determine its quality. It's available as whole seeds, ground seeds, capsules or oil. Whole flaxseeds may seem a wise choice, but their tough skin allows the seeds to slide through your digestive system intact, so you miss many of the benefits this superseed ...