5 DAYS OF 5 "FAVES" DAY 3: FLAX SEEDS
Flax Seeds
Some Flax Seed Health Facts And Why I Like Them
Flaxseeds are high in Omega-3 Fatty acids, fiber, protein, Vitamin B1, magnesium, manganese, and selenium, among others.
They are gluten free, high in antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower cholesterol.
And if that isn’t enough to get you adding more into your dietary planning they can help you have healthier hair, nails and skin and can even help with menopausal symptoms!
How Flax Seeds Can Help with Weight Loss
Flax seeds are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are important elements of a healthy diet. Fiber is beneficial for weight loss in a few ways.
Fiber helps you feel full for a longer period of time and it also helps control your blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are high, your body is more likely to store fat.
Flax seeds also contain omega-3 essential fatty acids which have been shown to boost metabolism and speed up weight loss. And like fiber, the healthy fats found in flax seeds are beneficial because they slow down digestion and help keep you feeling full for a longer period of time.
Tips for Buying Flax Seed
There are two types of flax seeds: russet brown and golden yellow. Both types of flax are similar in nutritional value and health benefits, so choose either one.
When you shop for flax seeds, you will find them in either the whole form or pre-ground. Always purchase whole flax seeds because the ground seeds turn rancid quickly. You can then easily grind them at home using a coffee grinder or high-speed blender.
Your digestive system is not able to break down flax seeds in their whole form. In order to gain nutritional benefits from flax seeds, always grind the seeds.
I like to grind enough flax seeds for one week and store the ground seeds in an airtight container in the fridge. The unused whole seeds should be stored in the freezer after the bag is opened in order to keep them fresh.
How to Include Flax Seeds in Your Diet.
Here are a few ways I like to incorporate flax seeds into my diet:
Add a tablespoon of ground flax seeds to a smoothie
Sprinkle ground flax on a bowl of oatmeal in the morning
Stir ground flax into granola
Stir a spoonful of ground flax into a bowl of yogurt
Mix ground flax into meatballs or meatloaf
Add ground flaxseed to your favorite soup recipe
Add ground flaxseed to homemade bread and muffin recipes
Sprinkle ground flaxseed on your salad
5 DAYS OF 5 "FAVES" PART 5: DARK LEAFY GREENS
Sending A Wish Your Way For A Well BALANCED Day
Jenny
