How to make use of Flax seed and its health benefits

Flax seeds (also called linseeds in some places) are the seeds of the flax plant, from which linen cloth is made. They contain fiber, protein, ALA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is different from fish oil), manganese, magnesium, vitamin B-1 and antioxidants.

When ground, flax seeds have a texture similar to coarse flour or wheat bran.

Flax Seed Health Benefits:

• Digestive support: Fiber & ALA support the digestive tract & GI health.
• Healthy skin & hair: Essential fats & B vitamins help retain moisture.
• Weight control: Healthier fats & fiber help you feel full longer, leading to consuming fewer calories.
• Cholesterol support: Soluble fiber supports healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range.
• Hormonal balance: High levels of lignans & antioxidant properties.

 

As flax seeds are very nutritious -- lots of fibe, healthy fat with very low in carbohydrates, it is good to add to our daily diet:

 

1) Put it on or mix it in with other foods, such as:

• Yogurt and fruit
• Cottage or ricotta cheese and fruit
• Yogurt or ricotta
• Smoothies and shakes
• Mix it into pancake or muffin batter or other baked goods 

2) Make a sweet or savory instant porridge or "Mush"
 

Pour boiling water over flax seed meal to make a kind of porridge that can be flavored in many ways, both sweet and savory. The amount of water will vary according to taste, but about twice the amount of water as flax seed meal is a good starting place. Let it thicken for a couple of minutes while the seeds absorb the water. If it's too thick and "gel-like", add more water.
 

Here are some ideas for "mix-ins" for flax meal:

• Peanut butter and cinnamon
• Any nut butter
• Cinnamon, sweetener, and butter
• Chopped Nuts
• Berries
• Chopped Apple and cinnamon
• Chopped Peaches
• Sugar Free Maple Syrup
• Other sugar-free syrups
• Unsweetened coconut
• To make it deluxe, add sugar-free chocolate with the coconut
• Coconut milk and sugar-free jam (raspberry is good)
• Butter
• Shredded cheese
• Shredded cheese and chiles (or pepper cheese)
• Cheese and chives
• Cheese and garlic