Flax seeds have quickly become the new “it” food.
It seems as if you can’t find a healthy recipe or an article on weight loss that doesn’t say to add a tablespoon of flax seeds as a nutritional boost.
But are the tiny seeds truly a superfood? Or are they just the latest trend?
Flax is a plant that has been around for tens of thousands of years. The seeds are loaded with nutrients.
They are packed with fiber and high in omega-3 fats and lignans. Lignans are antioxidants that fight inflammation and lower bad cholesterol.
There are so many health benefits to including flaxseeds in your diet that it’s hard to know where to start.
- Their Omega-3 fatty acids are known to cut the risk of heart disease, in part because they reduce bad cholesterol.
- The seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, which have been shown to fight the growth of breast cancer tumors. They may also ease the symptoms of menopause.
- The high levels of fiber in flaxseeds not only keep you regular, but also make you feel fuller longer and help control blood sugar levels.
Adding flaxseeds to your diet is incredibly easy.
The seeds have a sweet, nutty taste that makes it a natural for sprinkling on top of cereal or oatmeal.
You can add them into muffins, cookie or cake mixes, or throw some into the blender when you’re making a smoothie.
Experts say that you don’t need a lot of flaxseeds to see a real difference. They recommend adding 1-2 tablespoons to your diet each day.
TweetThere are dozens of ways that you can add flaxseeds to your diet.
You can stir them into yogurt, soups, applesauce, or eggs. Some people use flaxseeds as an egg substitute!
You can buy them whole or ground into meal or flour. Experts say that ground flaxseeds offer more nutritional value, as the whole seeds may pass through your system too quickly.
If you want to try baking with flaxseed meal, you’ll get the best results by cutting the amount of a recipe’s original flour by about 25% and then replace that portion with flaxseed meal.
When buying flaxseeds, make sure to store them properly. Whether they are whole or ground, they can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 6 months.
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. I hope you will help me spread the word and I welcome your comments below. Do you include flax seeds in your diet?
