You’re Probably Not Eating Enough: flaxseed

This might make me sound like a crunchy granola hippie, but flaxseed is just unarguably good for you. And SO easy to add to food.

What can flaxseed do for you? According to WHFoods, just two tablespoons of the stuff has 146.3% of your daily omega-3 needs (in the form of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA) and 20% of your required daily fiber intake. Omega-3 fatty acids, though they sound kind of gross, are actually great for you. They’re anti-inflammatory (they can reduce inflammation in conditions like asthma, arthritis, migraine headaches, etc.) and they protect bone health. Flaxseed has also been used to produce substances that reduce the formation of blood clots and can help prevent and control high blood pressure. It’s been proven to lower cholesterol and slow the growth of prostate cancer.

Really, the question we should be asking is, what CAN’T flaxseed do? Even if you’re skeptical of the power of flax, you have to admit that it’s a pretty healthy little seed. Here are some ways to get more flax in your diet*:

• Sprinkle it in yogurt, on fruit, in smoothie or shakes (it blends well into my protein smoothie), on oatmeal or cereal, or any kind of batter (you may need to add water if you put a lot in).
• Make a sweet or savory instant porridge by pouring boiling water over flaxseed meal (usually a 2:1 ratio of flax to water) and then flavoring it however you like.
• My mom loves to combine Greek yogurt, a tablespoon of peanut butter, half a mashed banana, and two tablespoons of ground flaxseed and eat it for breakfast. She’s been doing it as long as I can remember. You can spread the mixture on an English muffin or toast, or just eat it plain. I’ve tried it many times and it’s delicious.

*Note: you need to grind it or buy it pre-ground in order for your body to digest it properly.

Most of the time, it just gives food a slightly nutty taste, but if you add a lot to a dish, it can taste almost fishy, so gradually work up to putting 2-3 tablespoons in your food.

Do you eat flaxseed? On/in what? TELL ME about it!