Flaxseed has been part of the human diet for 7000 years. When used in small quantities, they provide a nourishing backdrop to most healthful drinks.
In order to gain the most benefit nutritionally from flaxseeds, they must first be ground. In this form, they will be absorbed rather than passing through the body undigested.
Varieties:
The flaxseed is readily available from most health food stores and supermarkets. They both contain similar nutritional indexes.
Benefits:
- Flaxseed is one of the best sources of plant omega 3 fatty acids: The fatty acids keep the joints healthy as well as the brain. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties;
- Vitamin E: This is great skin food.
- Lignans: Lignans have been known to support and balance hormones. They are also a powerful antioxidant;
- Fibre: Excellent for colon health, flaxseed is bursting with fibre!
- Blood pressure: Kelley C. Fitzpatrick, director of health and nutrition with the Flax Council of Canada (WebMd), suggests that new research shows blood pressure lowering effects of the flaxseed. She goes on to say that this may be due to the omega 3 content found in flaxseed.
Serving Size:
In order to benefit from the nutritional powerhouse that is the flaxseed, 2 tablespoons can be added to your yoghurts or smoothies.
Storing, Buying and Serving Suggestions:
- Buy it ground or grind it yourself;
- Add flaxseed to your cooking. No one will notice that you have added flaxseed to your sauces or meat mixtures;
- Add to your baking. Substitute ground flaxseed for part of the flour in recipes such as cookies, bread, pancakes.
- Store the flaxseed in the freezer. The cold temperature will keep the flaxseed from oxidising and losing its nutritional potency;
- Add flaxseed to your food and make it a habit. Flaxseed can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, yoghurt, soups.
