HEALTH-PROMOTING PROPERTIES OF FLAX

1. Flax promotes cardiovascular health. The ultra-high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

2. Flax promotes colon health. It has anti-cancer properties and, as a natural lubricant and a rich fiber source, it lowers the risk of constipation.

3. Flax supplements can boost immunity.

4. Flax provides fats that are precursors for brain building, especially important at the stage of life when a child’s brain grows the fastest, in utero and during infancy.

5. Flax promotes healthy skin. Flax oil as a dietary supplement seems to help relieve dry skin or eczema.

6. Flax may lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels.

7. Flax fat can be slimming. Fats high in essential fatty acids, such as flax, increase the body’s metabolic rate, helping to burn the excess, unhealthy fats in the body.

10 TIPS FOR HEALTHY FLAX HABITS

Flax can be added to our daily diets in a variety of ways. One to two tablespoons (16g) daily should be taken. Here are some helpful hints to get your daily dose:

1. Keep good fats in your recipes by substituting three tablespoons of ground flaxseed for one tablespoon of margarine, butter, or cooking oil.

2. Keep a handy stash of ground flax accessible in an opaque airtight container for up to 45 days. Whole flaxseeds can be stored for up to a year! Just use a coffee or spice grinder when you need them milled.

3. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of milled or whole flaxseed onto your morning cereal or over salads for a nutty taste.

4. Shake or stir your daily dose of flax into your salad dressing.

5. Mix milled flax into yogurt or smoothie shakes for an extra energy boost.

6. Top your fruit and cottage cheese with flax for a crunchy punch.

7. Stir flax into thicker soups, such as lentil or bean varieties, or into pasta sauces just before serving.

8. You can always mix whole or milled seeds into your favorite bread dough, or even into burgers, meatloaf, fish, or vegetable patties as a tasty change.

9. Add whole flaxseeds to cookie dough or muffin mix or sprinkle some on your favorite bread for artisan appeal.

10. When using ground flax, because of its high fiber content, add it slowly starting with about one tablespoon per day and working up to two or more per day.

Source: http://www.healthyflax.com/flax-facts/#63

USING FLAX OIL

  • Don’t use flax oil for cooking. Oils high in essential fatty acids are not good for cooking. In fact, heat can turn these healthy fats into harmful ones. Add flax oil to foods after cooking and just before serving.

Flax can turn rancid quickly. To prevent spoilage, follow these tips:

  • Purchase only refrigerated flax oil stored in black containers.
  • Keep flax oil in the refrigerator with the lid on tight. Minimize exposure to heat, light, and air.
  • Because the oil is likely to turn rancid within six weeks of pressing, buy flax oil in smaller containers.
  • Flax oil taken with a meal can actually increase the nutritional value of other foods. Research shows that adding flax oil to foods such as cultured dairy products (i.e., yogurt), vegetables of the cabbage family, and animal, seafood, and soy proteins helps the essential fatty acids become incorporated into cell membranes. Mixing flax oil with yogurt helps to emulsify the oil, improving its digestion and metabolism by the body.
  • Source: http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/flax-seeds-and-flax-oil