What’s not to like about flax seed oil and flax seed? Flax is chock-full of Omega-3’s, an essential fatty acid with many health benefits.

Omega-3’s can:

  • help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, reducing risks of clogged arteries that can result in strokes and heart attacks
  • protect against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, and lowered immune function
  • shorten post-exercise muscle recovery time
  • increase stamina and energy
  • increase the body’s metabolic rate, making it easier to burn excess bad fats
  • improve the absorption of calcium
  • reduce the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels
  • reduce the risk of macular degeneration
  • relieve some cases of asthma
  • improve colon health and reduce risk of colon cancer
  • reduce risk of breast cancer
  • promote healthier skin for those with eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and/or high sun-sensitivity
  • relieve symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • reduce the risk of depression and improve response to stress
  • minimize PMS symptoms

In addition, it provides the fats needed for brain growth and development, it’s high in fiber, contains protein, and it contains 100x more cancer-fighting lignans than most whole grains. Clearly, flax is a health and nutrition powerhouse.

How to use it:

  • Use as an an egg replacer in baked goods: 1 egg = 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds combined with 3 tablespoons of water
  • Drizzle some flax seed oil on top of hot cereals like oatmeal
  • Mix flax seeds or oil into yogurt
  • Add it to your salad dressing
  • Mix into your smoothies
  • Add to pancake batter
  • do not cook with flax oil (i.e., not to be used as a substitute for olive oil or cooking oil); add to cooked foods just before serving

Storage and Buying Tips:

  • buy Flax Seed Oil in dark containers which minimize their exposure to light
  • store refrigerated and use within 8 weeks of purchase
  • minimize exposure to heat, light, and air
  • grind flax seeds before use

References: