Flax seeds emerged in the Middle East thousands of years ago. In our time these tiny oil seeds are in vogue as a health food due to the high content of unique plant combinations of heart-healthy omega-3 fats, and fiber, they contain, all of which link to numerous benefits.
Flax seeds have a mild, nutty flavor and crunchy, crispy consistency. They are a good all-rounder ingredient that can enrichen the taste and texture of almost any recipe.
On a personal note, I first discovered flax seed when my son was 2 and a half, he became badly constipated and was given sachets by the GP to help him poo. His lower bowel had stretched and was causing all sorts of problems, he was still in nappies at the time. All was going as best as could be.
The problem arose when we moved to Bahrain, the sachets he was prescribed were not available on prescription there. So, after a few rocky weeks using suppositories, and a diet enriched with flax seeds in everything we got back on track. But it was a very traumatic time as I was trying to potty train him also. Then I am once again discovering the beauty of these little seeds for their immune-boosting properties. Let’s explore the 10 ways to eat flax seeds and you can begin to enjoy the health attributes of this potent seed.
10 ways to include flax seeds in your food
#1
Stir Into Smoothies
Stir Into Smoothies
Pulse for 10 seconds, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds in your blender (if you are feeling lazy you can buy them ground from your local health food shop). So now by adding this to your favorite smoothie you can boost your healthy fat.
So, for example, you could use, half a banana, one cup of berries, one cup of almond milk, and two tablespoons of flax seeds.
#2
Great with granola
Great with granola
2 tablespoons of flax seeds contain 4 grams of fiber. So, accelerate your fiber intake by stirring 2 to 4 tablespoons of flax seeds into your granola. Why not try this homemade granola instead of store-bought:
110 grams of almonds
4 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp cinnamon
150 g oats
2 tablespoons maple syrup,
3 tbsp flax seeds.
Bake all ingredients for 12 – 15 minutes.
#3
Use flax instead of oils when you bake
Use flax instead of oils when you bake
Try replacing oils for ground flax seeds in baking goods in a ratio of 3 parts flax seeds to 1
part oil, which means, instead of 1 tablespoon of oil, use three tablespoons of ground flax
seeds.
#4
Replace Eggs with flax seeds
Replace Eggs with flax seeds
Flax seeds create a viscous liquid that can mimic an egg. So, if you run out of eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds and 2 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture rest while you gather the rest of your recipe ingredients.
#5
Use instead of meat
Use instead of meat
Adding flax seeds to a veggie burger recipe is a great way to get a meaty flavor. The flax
seeds will bind the ingredients together well. All you would need is a ¼ cup of ground flax seeds instead of breadcrumbs. And a bonus here is that flax seeds are gluten-free!
#6
Make yourself a salad dressing that is nutritious
Make yourself a salad dressing that is nutritious
Combine ground flax seeds into your favorite salad dressing and trust me, you will get tons of fab
minerals like phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, copper, and iron.
Here is a delicious salad dressing recipe to try:
● One cup of water
● ½ cup of lemon juice
● Two cloves of garlic
● One teaspoon of salt
● One teaspoon of granulated onion
● ¼ cup of fresh basil
● ¼ cup of finely ground flax seeds
Combine everything except the flax seeds in a blender until smooth. Then add flax seeds and blend thoroughly.
#7
Make your spread that little bit healthier
Make your spread that little bit healthier
Flax seeds contain enough healthy fats to create a creamy and buttery spread. The taste of flax
seeds butter on its own may not be as appealing to you at first. So, the first time you try, add ground flax seeds to your favorite peanut butter or other nut spread.
#8
Super-charge your soup recipes
Super-charge your soup recipes
Replace some of the butter or cream with 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds in your soups.
Trust me it will provide a nutty yet velvety taste. Then sprinkle some whole flax
seeds on top as a garnish.
#9
Stick it in your pancake batter
Stick it in your pancake batter
You can produce tasty vegan, flax seed, gluten-free, sugar-free pancakes!
¼ cup of flax seeds
¼ cup of gluten-free flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 cup of almond milk
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup.
Serve with your favorite fruits.
#10
Sprinkle sprinkle sprinkle
Sprinkle sprinkle sprinkle
The simplest way to add flax seeds to your daily diet is to sprinkle them on any yogurt or
oatmeal, giving you a healthy boost to your morning.
