Flaxseeds: A Good Thing in a Small Package
By Donna Stark
Kittens, diamond rings, newborns … flaxseed? Yep, that’s right. Good things do come in small packages, including flaxseed! So don’t let its size fool you. Flaxseed has become more and more popular as the list of superfoods becomes more common with today’s shoppers. It's time to move on over blueberries, salmon, and kale … you’ve had your time to shine. And although we certainly aren’t taking you out of our diets, we are adding a new friend to the mix. One that is small in size, but mighty in strength!
Why Flaxseed?
Flaxseed has been around since the beginning of time, has a rich history of uses, and today, it is celebrated as one of the earth's most potent superfoods. For good reason too. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits your body can receive by adding a couple sprinkles of this powerful seed to each of your days.
- Improves cardiovascular, colon, brain, and prostate health
- Improves digestion
- Fights cancer
- Supports the immune system
- Promotes weight loss
- Fights diabetes
- Improves the appearance of skin, hair, and nails
- Lowers cholesterol
How to Eat Them
Flaxseeds can be eaten whole but are actually more beneficial when ground because it’s easier for your body to absorb and take advantage of all the benefits they have to offer. Flaxseeds are also used to make flaxseed oil, which is a great way to get a concentrated source of healthy fats quite easily. But filling your palm with a handful of ground seeds and throwing them in your mouth or taking a few sips of oil isn’t always practical, is it? So go ahead and check out the following suggestions. Adding flaxseed to your meals every day is really quite simple!
- Sprinkle over cold cereal or stir them into your oatmeal
- Add to your morning smoothie or yogurt parfait
- Use flaxseed oil to make your salad vinaigrette and top your salad with the seeds
- Add to your tuna and chicken salad sandwiches
- Stir ground flaxseed into casseroles, chili, or stew
- Substitute ground flaxseed for breadcrumbs in meatballs and meatloaf
- Add ground flaxseed to the batter of muffins, breads, waffles, and pancakes
- Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to your sandwich spread
Small Amount, Big Benefits
Every inch of your body can benefit from flaxseeds by simply adding a couple tablespoons into your diet every day, and as you can see, it isn’t hard to do that. So head on out to your favorite grocery store and stock up! You can even pick up some kale and blueberries too!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hillsboro, Ore.