Do you already include flaxseed in your daily diet?
If no—keep reading. You’ll want to learn all the incredible health benefits packed into this tiny seed.
And if yes—this post is still for you. Keep reading to deepen your appreciation for all flaxseed does for you and to try your hand at some of the recipes listed below.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED:
Flaxseed is considered a superfood for many reasons: namely, their high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber.
Omega-3 fatty acids… in a seed?
Fish, move over. Flaxseed contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to write home about.
In fact, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids have been proven, study after study, to contain heart disease & stroke-reducing health benefits.
That’s some heart-happy health news we can get on board with.
Lignans, you say?
Antioxidant and estrogen properties? Check and check when it comes to the plant-based compound lignan.
They don’t call flaxseed super for nothing—these mighty little seeds contain “up to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.”
Both antioxidants and estrogen appear to help lower cancer risks. In fact, studies show that consuming flaxseeds lowered the risk of breast cancer in women.
Flaxseed has men’s backs too: studies appear to show promising results that men who added flaxseed to their daily diet had a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Fiber, fiber, and more fiber.
Get this: “Just ONE tablespoon of flaxseeds contains 3 grams of fiber.”
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s 8 – 12% of your recommended daily dose of fiber in that one tablespoon alone.
Fiber helps to keep you regular, making for a great gut. Additionally, the soluble fiber found in flaxseed “increases the consistency of the contents of your intestine and slows down your digestion rate. This has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol.”
Fiber pro-tip: Because flaxseeds are high in fiber, it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water with your flaxseed intake!
The benefits don’t stop there.
Additionally, studies are showing that flaxseeds may be able to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as help control blood sugar.
Read more about the amazing health benefits of flaxseed here.
HOW TO ADD FLAX SEEDS TO YOUR DIET:
Health experts recommend adding 1 – 2 tablespoons of flaxseed to your daily diet.
You can consume flaxseed both whole or ground. Ground flaxseed is a bit easier to digest. You can grind your flaxseed at home using a food processor or coffee grinder.
The good news: flaxseed is so versatile and can be added to just about anything, making it easy to meet your daily intake requirements.
Creatively add flaxseed into your daily diet:
- Toss a handful onto your salad for an added crunch.
- Mix ground flaxseed into your favorite salad dressing or mayo.
- Add a tablespoon into your smoothie before processing.
- Stir whole or ground flaxseed into your morning yogurt.
- Like making homemade granola? Throw in some flaxseed to the mix.
Or try out one of these yummy-but-healthy recipes (the best kind!) listed below!
Flaxseed Breakfast Cookies
Cookies? For breakfast? Why not?
These healthy cookies will help you get those health-boosting benefits of flax in a tasty, grab-on-the-go form.
INGREDIENTS:
- Unsweetened natural nut butter (e.g., almond, cashew, peanut)
- Nondairy milk
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Flaxseed meal
- Raisins
Flaxseed Muffins
These flaxseed muffins are gluten free and dairy free, but certainly not taste-free. With cinnamon and nutmeg, these muffins are perfect for autumn baking!
INGREDIENTS:
- Large eggs
- Dairy free milk (I have used almond milk and homemade cashew milk – any should work)
- Vanilla
- Coconut sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Neutral tasting oil, melted butter, or melted coconut oil
- Ground flax
- Almond flour (whisk to remove lumps if needed)
- Gluten free flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Flaxseed Bread
A whole loaf of flaxseed bread? You bet! Try this recipe out the next time you get a hankerin’ to bake some bread.
INGREDIENTS:
- Golden flaxseed meal
- Warm or hot water
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
Golden Flaxseed Crackers
Introducing Golden Flaxseed Crackers made by the Sprout Chick: crunchy, delicious, and packed with tremendous health benefits, these crackers are also gluten-free, vegan, and organic. And now they’re available through our farm store!
