Flaxseed
Flaxseed, also called linseed, has many medicinal properties and contains dietary fiber, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids (lignans), minerals, vitamin B Complex, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, thiamine, plant-based protein and folate.
Health benefits include:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved immunity
- Decreased menopausal and hormonal imbalance symptoms
- Healthier skin and hair
- Reduced sugar cravings and helps with weight loss
In addition, it can be used in the management of type 2 diabetes, asthma, and regulating blood pressure. It supports digestive health, lowers cholesterol, is an anti-inflammatory and may lower the risk of certain types of cancer. It is also gluten-free.
Flaxseed is best used in ground form since, when eaten whole, it is more likely to pass through the intestinal tract undigested, which means your body doesn’t get all the healthful components.
When used in cooking, flaxseed can be used as an egg substitute or thickener, sprinkled over oats, cereals, yogurt and in smoothies, added to cheese spread or mayonnaise in a sandwich or pressed to make linseed oil.
Recipe – Flaxseed Waffles
Ingredients
2 cups oats
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup cashew pieces
½ cup flaxseed
¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
½ tsp. salt
2+ cups water
1 Tbsp. apple or orange juice concentrate or 2 tsp. honey or agave syrup or 1 pitted date
Process
Place all in blender and blend until smooth—at least one minute. If necessary, add more water to achieve batter-like consistency.
Pour into hot waffle iron and bake until done.
Serve with your choice of topping.