Fabulous Flax SeedFlax seed does wonderful things for your taste buds. It has a nutty, robust flavor. And, oh my, what it does for your body. It is, rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, lignin and omega-3 fatty acids.
And how are these beneficial? Dietary fiber is good for your heart and your digestive system. The water-soluble fiber helps decrease blood cholesterol levels while insoluble fiber may be beneficial in treating or preventing constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. Just two tablespoons of flax contains 4 grams of fiber, more than a cup of oatmeal! Imagine what happens when you add 2 tablespoons of the seed to your morning oatmeal---7 grams of fiber!. Your heart will thank you as will your digestive system. Lignin is a natural antioxidant and a member of the of phytoestrogen family. Phytoestrogens are a group of compounds found in plants that influence estrogen activity in the body. Although they are not hormones, phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors, maintaining estrogen balance in women. Lignin maintains breast and colon health by binding circulating estrogens and other substances that might promote unchecked cell growth. Two tablespoons of this super food has more lignin that 30 cups of fresh broccoli. Don’t give up the broccoli. Just add the seeds to it. Omega-3 fatty acids are stored in the cell membranes of tissues and are structural components of cell membranes where they ensure fluidity, stability, and act as gate-keepers in the cell. These fatty acids are polyunsaturated and are classified as essential because they cannot be synthesized in the body; they must be obtained from food. They promote heart health because they have an anti-inflammatory effect and lower bad LDL cholesterol. One serving (2 tablespoons)contains 2400 milligrams of omega-3, more than almost any other plant food. Flax can be purchased as whole seeds, crushed, or ground. Flax oil is available in capsules.
Try this flaxseed pie crust instead of a graham cracker crust. Flax Seed Pie CrustPreheat oven to 350 degree FSpray 8 inch pie pan with vegetable spray (Pam) 1 cup flax seed
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Turn into oiled pie pan. Press evenly over the bottom and sides of the pan, Bake 8 minutes. Cool before filling. Fill with sugar-free pudding mix prepared with skim milk---or, fill with any thing that you would put in a graham cracker crust.
No doubt about it, flax seed is one of the super foods.
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