Flax to The Rescue

Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and a great addition to your diet for many reasons.

Flax is  hugely beneficial for hormonal balance, particularly useful for detoxing estrogen.  Estrogenic chemicals are found in many common products particularly plastics and have been linked to a litany of problems in humans and animals. One of the worst contributors to excess estrogen comes from parabens and phthalates found in our beauty products.

At least our digestive tracts have the capacity to break down or eliminate toxins.  Including flax in your diet regularly will help get rid of many toxic compounds.

• Flaxseeds can be purchased whole, pre-ground, or as an oil.
• Flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA). This is an omega-3 fat that is a precursor to the form of omega-3 found in fish oils called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA.
• Flaxseed oil provides a higher concentration of the ALA than the seeds.
• The seeds provide a host of other nutrients that are lost in the oil, including manganese, magnesium, and especially fiber! (It’s the seeds that we want for our detox, not the oil.)

Health benefits of Eating Flax:

• relief from constipation
• cancer prevention-particularly breast cancer
• anti-inflammatory properties
• bone protection and health
• reduction in formation of blood clots leading to heart disease
• increased insulin response, beneficial for prevention of diabetes
• blood-pressure regulator
• cholesterol regulator
• hot flash reduction
• anti-estrogenic (helping to detox excess circulating estrogens)

Buying and Storing Flax

• Buy whole flaxseeds as they will last longer than pre-ground flax.
• If buying in bulk, be sure the store has a good turn-over rate and the seeds are not sitting too long to ensure freshness.
• Whole flax should be stored in an airtight glass container in your refrigerator or freezer.
• Grind small amounts in a coffee-type grinder and store in a separate airtight container in your refrigerator or freezer.
• Ground flaxseeds are more prone to oxidation. Purchase in vacuum sealedbags and store in an airtight glass container in your freezer.
• Flaxseed oil is especially perishable and should be purchased in opaque bottles that have been kept refrigerated.
• Flaxseed oil should have a sweet nutty flavor.
• Never use flaxseed oil in cooking; if using add it to foods after they have been heated.

NOTE: There are no nutritional differences between golden and brown flax seeds.  The golden ones look more appealing in many recipes.  

Quick & Easy Ways to Add Flax into Your Diet:

• Sprinkle ground flax on hot or cold cereal.
• Add ground flax to smoothies.
• Add ground flaxseeds to your homemade energy bars
• Add flax oil to salad dressings or smoothies

These are my two favorite energy bar recipes that contain flax:

Cherry Garcia Energy Bars
Cranberry Coconut Energy Bars