Flaxseed is one of the healthiest foods to man. Also known as linseed or common flax, flaxseed is a member of the genus Linum in the Linaceae family. The following are its health benefits and sample recipe.
Health Benefits
Fiber-Rich
One health benefit of flaxseed is fiber. Fiber is a substance that is usually found in wheat, fruits, and green leafy vegetables. It acts as sweep and helps the body get rid of unwanted substances and materials, such as toxins and free radicals, which contribute to various diseases like cancer. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, flaxseed contains mucilage, a gel-forming and water soluble fiber that highly benefits the intestinal tract, since it keeps food in the stomach from emptying too fast into the small intestine; as a result, nutrient absorption is increased. In addition, flaxseeds contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps detoxify the large intestine, leading to fat loss and decreased sugar cravings.
Cardiovascular Health
Flaxseed also helps promote the health of the heart and the blood vessels. According to studies, as cited by Authority Nutrition, eating flaxseed daily reduces low-density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol by six to 11 percent. The evidence is supported by data from animal trials, which revealed that flaxseeds may reduce cholesterol levels and enhance blood fat composition. Moreover, a study also revealed that flaxseed consumption resulted to an extra 8.5 percent decreased in bad cholesterol.
Anti-Cancer
Flaxseed helps fight and prevent cancer. According to studies, as cited by Web MD, flaxseed may protect a person from various kinds of cancer like colon, prostate and breast cancer. As mentioned by Flax Council Canada health and nutrition director Kelley C. Fritzpatrick, as cited by the publication, at least two of the seed’s components have the anti-cancer properties. Meanwhile, clinical studies involving animals revealed that flaxseed has ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid and it inhibits tumor growth and incidence.
Sample Recipe
One recipe for flaxseed is Seedy Good-Health Banana Bread. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include one-fourth cup of coconut oil, half cup applesauce, two large eggs, one-fourth cup butter (melted and cooked), half cup white sugar, half cup raw sugar, two teaspoons vanilla extract, one teaspoon sea salt, two bananas (mashed), half cup sour cream, one and a half teaspoons pf baking soda, three-cup all-purpose flour, three-fourth cup of whole wheat flour, half cup of chopped roasted almonds, one-fourth cup teff, one-fourth cup poppy seeds, one one-fourth cup chia seeds, and one-fourth cup flaxseeds.
To prepare, as per the publication, the oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Next, two loaf pans are greased with coconut oil. Then, eggs, applesauce, and butter are beaten together in a large bowl until smooth. White sugar is added, as well as salt and vanilla extract. The ingredients are mixed well. After that, sour cream, bananas, and baking soda are whisked together in a separate bowl until smooth; the mixture is stirred into the applesauce mixture until fully combined. The flour is gradually stirred into the banana mixture until well mixed. Then, the whole wheat flour is stirred into the banana-flour mixture until the batter is well mixed. Then, the almonds and seeds are added. Once done, the batter must be poured into the prepared loaf pans and baked for at least 40 minutes. The bread is allowed to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before it is transferred to a wire rack.
Flaxseed is considered nutritious due to its many health benefits to the body. Thus, household cooks should consider adding it to various meal recipes for the entire family.
Source: organicauthority.com
