Bring On The Flaxseeds!

By: NewNaturalista

Weekly Tips from the book “Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous.”

The Virtues of Flaxseeds

About 15 percent of oils present in flax get converted into heart-healthy omega-3′s. The seeds are also high in fiber and contain lignans, which help prevent breast and colon cancer and fight constipation. To get the most nutrition out of them you must grind the flaxseeds before eating them; otherwise they’ll just pass through you whole. Keep them in the freezer and store the oil in the refrigerator so it doesn’t go rancid.

Ground flaxseeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and make a crunchy addition to yogurt, oatmeal, salads, soups, smoothies and yes, even ice cream! You can add them to baked goods, too. Flaxseed oil is more delicate and should be used only as a salad oil or taken straight up; heating the oil destroys the essential linoleic acid within and causes rancidity, which is quite toxic.

Next week: Grapeseed Oil!