What flax seeds are good for?

Seeds are great sources of fiber. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Adding flaxseed to the diet might increase the number of bowel movements each day. It might also cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, stomachache, and nausea. Higher doses are likely to cause more GI side effects.

There are two different types of seeds — brown and golden. Both have high amounts of omega-3s and are rich in protein and B vitamins. The only difference lies in the taste: Golden flaxseeds tend to be smooth and nutty, whereas brown flaxseeds have more earthy undertones but have a nutty taste to them, as well.

Flax seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for healthy hair growth. They nourish the follicles and hair shafts, making them stronger and less prone to damage. This also ensures that the new growth is strong and healthy.

Video of the Day

Measure out the desired amount of seeds and pour them into a clean coffee grinder, blender or food processor.

Turn the setting to the finest grind possible and close the lid.

Grind the flax seed for 10 to 15 seconds, or until the seeds have turned into a very fine, ground meal.

Ground flaxseed is a good supporting player in a weight loss diet. It provides fiber, which helps you feel full and offers other weight-loss benefits. It’s also one of the top sources of omega-3 fatty acids and lignan, which may facilitate your effort to drop excess pounds.

Always check with your physician first, but often (not always) people with nut allergies can safely eat seeds. Sunflower, pumpkin, flax and sesame seeds are acceptable substitutes for tree nuts or peanuts and provide similar nutritional value and taste. Sesame seeds cause the most allergic reactions in the seed family.

Start your morning with a healthy dose of omega-3’s by sprinkling over cold cereal or stirring it into hot cereal like oatmeal. Flax seeds add a slightly, but not overwhelming, nutty flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of whole flax seeds into your morning smoothie for an extra 2 grams of protein.

For some people, the fiber in flaxseed meal could cause increased bowel movements and loose stool. Constipation, stomachaches and nausea are other potential side effects if you add too much flaxseed meal to your diet.

In some baked goods, particularly in vegan cuisine, ground flaxseed is used to replace eggs. In this case, try substituting each tablespoon of flaxseed in your recipe with 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu, half a blended banana, 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 3 tablespoons of pureed fruit.

Flax seed is the seed of the flax plant of the family Linaceae. Gluten has never been found in seeds, therefore flaxseed may be used by Celiacs. Bulgar is parboiled wheat which is then dried and cracked. It must be avoided by persons with celiac disease.

Lignan precursors are found in a wide variety of foods, including flaxseeds, sesame seeds, legumes, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. While most research on phytoestrogen-rich diets has focused on soy isoflavones, lignans are the principal source of dietary phytoestrogens in typical Western diets (2, 3).

The flax seed also carries a big nutrient payload. While it’s not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains and has more fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids than most grains. In addition, it does not contain gluten.

However, it’s just fine to eat the seeds raw. The high amounts of oil in raw flax mean that the seeds can go rancid, especially after they’re ground, so it’s helpful to store them in the fridge. Sprinkle raw, ground flax seeds on cereal or granola, bake them into cookies and bars, or eat them as a salad topping.

Baking and Cooking with Flaxseeds:

Add 1–3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to a morning smoothie.

Mix a tablespoon in with yogurt with some raw honey.

Bake ground flaxseeds into muffins, cookies and breads.

Add to homemade sprouted granola.

Mix with water and use as an egg substitute in vegetarian/vegan recipes.

Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. A 28-gram, or 1-ounce, serving of chia seeds also contains 5.6 grams of protein. Chia seeds can be eaten cooked or raw, but they should be added to another food or soaked before eating.

Heart and liver health. Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. This combination has benefits for both the heart and liver. The fiber in pumpkin seeds helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Linseed or Flax seed. Linseed or flax seed are different names for the same seed. The seed is a product of the Flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) the boiled oil of which is used in oil based paints, glazing putties for window applications and as a wood grain protector/enhancer.

Omega-3 fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are important in preventing and managing heart disease. Findings show omega-3 fatty acids may help to: Lower blood pressure.