FLAX SEED!

Flax Seed: What are they? What are the Health Benefits?

I had never tried flax seed until earlier this year! I have always heard of them being used in smoothies and baking but i never quite new how to use them at home. So that is what i decided to share with you how i have been using them, what health benefits come with eating them, and most importantly what the heck are they?

 

What are Flax Seeds? 

Flax seeds, also known as Linseed, come from an annual herb called a flax plant.  Flax seed has been consumed by humans since the Ancient Egyptians used it as a medicine and food. Flax seed comes in powdered form, capsule, whole seed, oil, and ground. The whole seeds and ground form must be consumed within 24 hours while they are still in their active form. Alpha-linolenic acid, Protein, Lignans and both fermentable (soluble) and non-fermentable (insoluble) fiber are the main plant chemicals in Flax seed that are said to provide health benefits. 

Fun Fact:

Not only are the seeds used but the stalks provide fibers that are used to make linen and yarn. 

The 

linen is used mostly in warm weather clothing.(In my opinion, it looks a bit like human hair before it is woven...creepy?)

Health benefits?

• Flax seed is High in Fiber (not in oil form); Fermentable fiber which aids in lowering blood pressure and sugar levels, and Non-fermentable fiber that aids in constipation relief and reduces the risk in colon cancer. 
• Contains Omega 3 fatty acids that are derived from eicosanoids which are anti-inflammatory.
• Contains Alpha-linolenic acid, an essential amino acid because humans cannot synthesize it. This essential acid aids the synthesis of eicosanoids for Omega 3 fatty acids. 
• The lignans in flax seed (not in oil form) are said to reduce the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. 

How to use them?

If you have never eaten flax seed before be sure to ease into it by starting out with ground flax see, you can grind if yourself or buy it already ground. I suggest grinding the flax seed yourself in a food processor and use immediately because it spoils quickly. I have used the actual whole seed in smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt (not my favorite) and my absolute favorite granola bars. Below i have provided the recipe for these homemade granola bars, they are delicious healthy and cheap! :)

http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.com/2012/12/granola-bars-most-delicious-ones-yet.html

References: 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/flaxseed
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/alternative/flax-seed.htm