Flaxseed, also called linseed, are small brown or golden seeds that are available to buy in most supermarkets either whole or ground.
Nutrition
🤎Fibre
Two tbsp. provides 6g of fibre which is about 20% of the UK’s RDA. The high in fibre content helps to support digestive health and also slows down the release of sugar into the blood so keeps you full for longer.
🤎Omega 3 Fats
Flax are an excellent source of plant omega 3s called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body.
🤎Lignans
Lignans are a type of plant compound called polyphenols that have antioxidant benefits and also act as phytoestrogens so they are ideal for supporting hormone metabolism. Researchers rank flaxseeds as the best source of lignans in human diets.
How to Eat Flax
Firstly start slowly and remember to keep hydrated. If you are not used to a fibre rich diet and suddenly eat a big serving you could upset your digestion!
Breakfast –mix ground flax into yoghurt, overnight oats, granola or smoothies or make flaxseed porridge
Lunch – sprinkle over salads, stir into soups, add to falafels and bean burgers
Dinner – stir into stews, curries, sprinkle over roasted vegetables, mix into meatballs
Snacks – use as an egg replacement in cooking, add to cookies and flapjacks, mix into hummus
How To Store
I recommend grinding your flaxseed as the whole seeds are difficult for the body to break down and you might notice they come out in the same form as they went in 💩!
However once the seeds are ground they are prone to rancidity so it is best to store them in a glass jar in the fridge or freezer.