One of the most important foods to add to your diet today is flax seed. This tiny little seed contains so many health benefits that it would seem foolhardy not to fill a jar with ground flax (keep it in your fridge) and add it to your diet everyday.
Decreases Inflammation and Bad Cholesterol: A study in 2015 found that when 60 grams of flax was added to participant’s diets daily, after 42 days, they were found to have lower inflammation markers, much improved cholesterol levels, and had also lost weight. This is proof enough for me to load up on the little seeds, right?
Flax is one of the best sources of lignans, which are very powerful antioxidants. Lignans are a kind of fiber, and an antioxidant known as a polyphenol. Polyphenols are a vital part of your general anti-aging regimen.
Flax can help to improve the texture of your hair and your skin because it contains ALA essential fatty acids, which can dramatically help with dry skin, hair, and skin inflammation.
Flax might be vital for breast health, particularly in post-menopausal women, because they help to naturally balance hormones. A study showed that flax might be able to reduce tumor size in patients with breast cancer.
Flax helps to regulate your digestion, and and is great if you suffer from constipation.
Also, I love that flax contains a lot of protein and fiber. This is why I add 2 tbsp to my morning smoothie, along with 1 tbsp of hemp protein, and then I’ve hit my protein quota for the day!
A 1 ounce (3 tbsp) serving of flaxseeds contains:
- Omega-3 (ALA) 6,338mg
- Fiber 8g
- Protein 6g
- Vitamin B1 31% RDA
- Manganese 35% RDA
- Magnesium 30% RDA
- Phosphorus 19% RDA
- Selenium 10% RDA
- Also, flaxseeds contain a good amount of vitamin B6, Iron, potassium, copper and zinc
How Much A Day?
I would shoot for 3 tbsp
How Should I eat it?
Sprinkle on yogurt or oatmeal
Toss into your smoothie
Add to all baked goods
Make “Flax” eggs for baking in place of regular eggs.
Alternatively, you could try a flax seed oil, and you would only need to consume 1 tbsp per day. You can add the oil to smoothies (not my thing!), dressings, or just hold your nose and drink it straight.
How to store?
Always store flax in the fridge because the oils in the seeds can go rancid after time. Pay attention to the sell-by date on the package.
Remember that air, heat and light cause oils to spoil more quickly. So if you keep your flax in an opaque, airtight container in the fridge, you’ll be set.
Whole seeds or ground?
You are better off with whole seeds because they will stay fresh longer. But you must grind them before eating (in a spice or coffee grinder) because the whole seeds will go straight through your system! If you are buying them in the bulk bins, smell first to check that they don’t smell like paint or crayons (signs of spoilage). I prefer to buy in a packet with a clear sell-by date.
Brown or Golden?
Just a matter of taste.
