One of the highest sources of Omega 3 comes from the flax plant (also known as linseed). This flowering plant that was first cultivated in the area known as the Fertile Crescent has been around for 13 centuries and used all that time for its excellent health benefits. Now modern science has results to research and studies that back up the claims of those who have used flax in their diets all this time.
But this powerful seed delivers more than Omega 3. This fatty acid that human bodies don't make on their own is very important for our cardiovascular and circulatory health that is true. But this little seed contains so much more.
Lignans-
Lignans are a chemical compound found in plants that provide phytoestrogen - which act as both estrogen and a antioxidant. The flax plant is the richest source of this compound. For women this natural estrogen can help balance out hormone levels without using synthetic ones. Lignans help regulate menstrual cycles and provide benefits for those who are going through menopause. Lignans are known to reduce the risk of many types of cancers, including breast cancer.
Micro nutrients-
Although these nutrients are needed in small quantities to help our bodies function in a array of ways, we can not produce them in our own bodies and usually obtain them with our dietary choices.
One tablespoon provide these amazing micro nutrients - 0.174 mg of manganese, 1.8 mg of selenium, 18 mg of calcium and 27g of magnesium. Other minerals present include phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and copper. A serving of flax seed has six micrograms of folate and 5.5 mg of choline. Also other important vitamins included are thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin K, and vitamin B6.
Fiber-
One thing that we all need more of in our diets is fiber. Our bodies need both insoluble and soluble fiber to help us regulate weight, keep our digestive tracts running, and prevent certain cancers and other bowel diseases. Flax has both soluble and insoluble fiber. Not only does fiber help you feel full, but Flax also helps with appetite control. Using Flax in your diet can help with constipation issues.
Go here for more information regarding this wonderful super food that has been benefiting individuals for hundreds of years.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Using Flax Seed as a Egg Substitue
Using flax seed is a great trick for Vegans who need to replace eggs in their baking. But you can use flax seed as a wonderful substitute even if you aren't vegan.
If you suffer from egg allergies this is a wonderful replacement as well.
Not only does it give you great health benefits by providing Omega 3, lignans that protect against certain cancers, fiber and other vital nutrients. It also is great just in case you ever do run out of eggs and can't get to the store or don't want to run over to your neighbors. My friend who introduced me to flax seed said its even great if you are halving certain recipes and the egg equation gets messed up by doing so, that replacing it with flax seed solves this problem.
It's just another way to get the awesome benefits of all that Flax Seeds have to offer in your daily diet.
Flax Seed - Egg Replacement
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
3 tablespoons water (or other liquid)
Mix together until thick and gelatinous.
Cover and store in the fridge up to two weeks.
Flax Seed Hints for Baking
Flax seeds have a nutty flavor. They go best with recipes that compliment this. Bran Muffins, Banana Bread, Oatmeal Raisin cookies.
They are great in waffles and pancake recipes. What a great way to start off your morning then with Omega 3 brain boosting powers and fiber to keep you full.
Other great Flax Seed Benefits
Flax Seeds are also a natural appetite suppressant. So have a slice of toast that you made with your Flax as egg replacement and maybe a smoothie with a tablespoon of flax seeds and you might be surprised to see that you're full until lunch time.
Have fun baking!
If you suffer from egg allergies this is a wonderful replacement as well.
Not only does it give you great health benefits by providing Omega 3, lignans that protect against certain cancers, fiber and other vital nutrients. It also is great just in case you ever do run out of eggs and can't get to the store or don't want to run over to your neighbors. My friend who introduced me to flax seed said its even great if you are halving certain recipes and the egg equation gets messed up by doing so, that replacing it with flax seed solves this problem.
It's just another way to get the awesome benefits of all that Flax Seeds have to offer in your daily diet.
Flax Seed - Egg Replacement
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
3 tablespoons water (or other liquid)
Mix together until thick and gelatinous.
Cover and store in the fridge up to two weeks.
Flax Seed Hints for Baking
Flax seeds have a nutty flavor. They go best with recipes that compliment this. Bran Muffins, Banana Bread, Oatmeal Raisin cookies.
They are great in waffles and pancake recipes. What a great way to start off your morning then with Omega 3 brain boosting powers and fiber to keep you full.
Other great Flax Seed Benefits
Flax Seeds are also a natural appetite suppressant. So have a slice of toast that you made with your Flax as egg replacement and maybe a smoothie with a tablespoon of flax seeds and you might be surprised to see that you're full until lunch time.
Have fun baking!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Flax Seeds Provide Omega 3
We are all starting to learn how benefial Omega 3 fatty acid is for our physical and mental health.
In the 1930's scientist discovered that Omega 3 was essential to help normal growth and health in individuals. Also you may recognize another chain of Omega 3 called DHA which is helpful to us all but really is beneficial to young infants with brain growth and memory. Humans do not produce this essential fatty acid by ourselves and turn to food to attain it. Alot of people find their source of Omega 3 in seafood or fish oil pills. They do so to help them in different areas of their body. For their brains to help with depression and ability to retain information, for joints , and for heart health.
It wasn't until the mid 1980's that more information from personal testimonials to FDA research that people learned how important Omega 3 is to our well being.
Alot of individual achieve getting Omega 3 in their diets by eating seafood or taking fish oil pills. This is a great source.
But some individuals like myself don't like seafood of any kind and that includes even fish oil pills. I've actually taken fish oil pills and thought they weren't so bad, but then a little while later had to burp and could taste fish in my mouth and I almost threw up. Ewww.
Then I found out that Flax Seeds are a great source of Omega 3! Over 50% of fat that is found in Flax Seeds is Omega 3 fatty acid.
You can get all the benefits of Omega 3 in your diet by using Milled Flax Seeds in your diet or taking Flax Seed Oil.
You can find Flax Seeds at online stores like Flax Seed Pro.
In the 1930's scientist discovered that Omega 3 was essential to help normal growth and health in individuals. Also you may recognize another chain of Omega 3 called DHA which is helpful to us all but really is beneficial to young infants with brain growth and memory. Humans do not produce this essential fatty acid by ourselves and turn to food to attain it. Alot of people find their source of Omega 3 in seafood or fish oil pills. They do so to help them in different areas of their body. For their brains to help with depression and ability to retain information, for joints , and for heart health.
It wasn't until the mid 1980's that more information from personal testimonials to FDA research that people learned how important Omega 3 is to our well being.
Alot of individual achieve getting Omega 3 in their diets by eating seafood or taking fish oil pills. This is a great source.
But some individuals like myself don't like seafood of any kind and that includes even fish oil pills. I've actually taken fish oil pills and thought they weren't so bad, but then a little while later had to burp and could taste fish in my mouth and I almost threw up. Ewww.
Then I found out that Flax Seeds are a great source of Omega 3! Over 50% of fat that is found in Flax Seeds is Omega 3 fatty acid.
You can get all the benefits of Omega 3 in your diet by using Milled Flax Seeds in your diet or taking Flax Seed Oil.
You can find Flax Seeds at online stores like Flax Seed Pro.
The Facts on Flax
What is Flax Seed?
Flax Seeds are seeds that come from the Flax plant. They are either brown or golden in color.
What is Flax Seed used for?
Flax seed is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 has some excellent benefits for our physical bodies as well as mental benefits. Having Omega 3 in your diet will help you with
If you are like me you when you hear Omega 3 you think of Fish Oil. Human bodies don't make Omega 3 by itself and has to obtain it entirely by eating certain foods. I personally HATE fish. Hate with a captial H :) Even the thought of fish oil in pill form makes me squeamish. So how do I get Omega 3 in my body? By taking Flax Seed.
Also Flax seed is high in fiber and helps your digestive system stay on track. It will help with constipation, bloating and pain.
How do you take Flax Seed?
You can grind up the Flax Seed in a little grinder like a coffee bean grinder or you can eat it whole. You can add the ground flax seed to smoothies or add it to your cereal. Sprinkle it on salad or add it to muffin batter. I also like it in yogurt and cottage cheese.
How much should Flax Seed should you take?
Take 2-4 tablespoons for optimum health benefits.
What are some other benefits from Flax Seed besides Omega 3?
Flax Seeds are seeds that come from the Flax plant. They are either brown or golden in color.
What is Flax Seed used for?
Flax seed is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 has some excellent benefits for our physical bodies as well as mental benefits. Having Omega 3 in your diet will help you with
- Joint Inflammation and Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heart Health
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Varicose Veins
- Increase Memory and Alertness
If you are like me you when you hear Omega 3 you think of Fish Oil. Human bodies don't make Omega 3 by itself and has to obtain it entirely by eating certain foods. I personally HATE fish. Hate with a captial H :) Even the thought of fish oil in pill form makes me squeamish. So how do I get Omega 3 in my body? By taking Flax Seed.
Also Flax seed is high in fiber and helps your digestive system stay on track. It will help with constipation, bloating and pain.
How do you take Flax Seed?
You can grind up the Flax Seed in a little grinder like a coffee bean grinder or you can eat it whole. You can add the ground flax seed to smoothies or add it to your cereal. Sprinkle it on salad or add it to muffin batter. I also like it in yogurt and cottage cheese.
How much should Flax Seed should you take?
Take 2-4 tablespoons for optimum health benefits.
What are some other benefits from Flax Seed besides Omega 3?
Flax Seed is very high in both Soluble and Insoluble Fiber. In one cup of Flax Seed there is a outstanding amount of 42.3 grams of fiber. If you incorporate the recommended amount that equals 1/4 cup which means roughly you would achieve 10 grams of fiber in your diet from flax seed alone.
Fiber is awesome for digestive needs as well as helping you keep full.
Do you have more questions regarding Flax Seed? Please leave them in the comment section below.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)