Linseed has wonderful things for the palate. It has a nutty, rich flavor. And, oh my, what it does for your body. And 'rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, lignin and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fiber is good for your heart and digestive system.
Super Food
Water-soluble fiber help reduce blood cholesterol.
Insoluble fiber can be useful in the treatment or prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids anddiverticulosis.
Two tablespoons of this wonderful seed 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 flax seed 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 polyunsaturated fatty acids 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 effects and lower bad LDL cholesterol.
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.
One serving (2 tablespoons)contains 2400 milligrams of omega-3, more than almost any other plant food.
Flax seed can be purchased as whole seeds, crushed, or ground. Flax oil is available in capsules.
The ground seed can be substituted for shortening or cooking oil at a ratio of 3 to 1 in baked goods. Example: replace ½ cup butter, margarine, or cooking oil in a recipe with 1½ cups ground flax seed.
Here is a wonderful recipe for Flax Seed Pie Crust. Use this instead of graham cracker crust.
Flax Seed Pie Crust
Preheat oven to 350 degree F
Spray 8 inch pie pan with vegetable spray (Pam)
1 cup flax seed
1 egg white
1/4 cup canola oil
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 anything that you would put in a graham cracker
crust.
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