What is Flax and Why is it Good for You?

Flax seeds come from an ancient plant prized and cultivated by the Egyptians. Flax can have a nutty flavor that remind me of toasted coconut. But you don’t have to travel far to find it, you can buy flax seeds or ground flax seed or “meal”, at your local health food store. They range in color from golden to brown to reddish brown. These tiny seeds might seem like light weight but looks can be deceiving. These powerful little guys, about the size of sesame seeds pack a wallop of nutrition.

Health Stats

Heavy with omega 3 fatty acids, just 2 tablespoons a day can give you more that 100 % of your daily needs. Omega 3 fatty acids promote bone health, work as mood enhancers, and decrease inflammation that my cause conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis. Studies show that flax can even help to control high blood pressure, and have been studied for their ability to lower cholesterol. Wow- that’s quite impressive for a little seed.

Cooking with Flax

So how can you enjoy flax in every day meals? I like the flax meal which is already ground up. I add it to breadcrumbs, spoon it on my cereal, toss it into oatmeal cookies, and even sprinkle it in between a grilled cheese. In the mood for meatloaf? Stir in some flax to your meat mix! It’s easy to use but remember to store it in the fridge to keep your meal from going rancid.

Other Articles You May Like

• The Perfect Cheesecake?
• New York Restaurants Go Trans Fat-Free
• Grapefruit in Your Diet
• Skinny Chef on YumSugar.com
• Pear Hazelnut Muffin