Include Flaxseeds in Your Diet, The Tastier Way!

Flax seeds are have literally captured the internet lately. Ever wondered what these newly found superseeds are?

Well, scientifically speaking, Flax seeds are Linum usitatissimum. Brown or yellow in colour, these are drop shaped seeds that are available in the market as whole solid seeds, ground or milled seeds, roasted seeds or as Flaxseed oil.

These seeds were discovered several thousand years ago in the middle east. Then, they were only known for possessing a nutty smell and no specific taste but with immense health benefits. However now we know exactly why Flax seeds deserve to be called a wonder food for us humans.

Super Food for the Human Body

Several studies, surveys and research experiments have concluded that flax seeds are indeed a super food for the human body. How? Flax seeds help the body fight back when it has been attacked by some forms of heart disease, Diabetes mellitus and cancer- breast cancer to be precise.

But that’s not the only reason we are labelling them as super food! Our list of health problems benefitted by Flax seeds also includes-

• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Colitis
• Sexual ailments
• Alzheimers disease
• Hypercholesterolaemia and
• Anxiety disorder

In post menopausal age, flax seeds have been found to help the body maintain the sexual hormones in equilibrium and also prevent or even fight back breast and other types of cancer.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FLAX SEEDS

Did you know?

1. Flax seeds deliver 534 calories per 100 grams.
2. Flax seeds contain all three macronutrients (Energy sources)- 42% fat, 29% carbs, and 18% protein.
3. Flax seeds are 95% fiber.
4. In 10 grams of Flax seeds you get
Calories: 55
Water: 7%
Protein: 1.9 grams
Carbs: 3 grams
Sugar: 0.2 grams
Fiber: 2.8 grams
Fat: 4.3 grams
5. Flax seeds are a rich source of the amino acids Arginine and Glutamine — both of which are important for heart and immune system health
6. Flax seeds are one of the richest sources of Alpha Linolenic acid- an essential fatty acid that the human body needs but cannot produce itself.
7. Compared to other oil seeds, Flax seeds have a lower ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 which is the reason why it is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases.
8. Flax seeds provide Molybdenum- a trace element required by the human body in very less amounts. There are very few dietary sources of Molybdenum.
9. Flax seeds are a dietary source of Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
10. The vitamin that is found in Flax seeds is Thiamine or Vitamin B1 which is required by the human body for optimal neurological (nerve) functioning.

HOW TO CONSUME FLAX SEEDS FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH?

Largely used as tonic in Ayurveda, these seeds are literally a wonder food. As a general health tonic, Ayurveda advises consuming 1 teaspoonful flax seeds (which have been soaked in water overnight) mixed in 1 tablespoon amla juice every morning on an empty stomach.

Being tasteless, these wonder seeds can be included as ingredients in any recipe of snacks, curries, biscuits or can simply be sprinkled over dal and rice.

Let’s check out a simple Indian recipe that brings to your table the sweetness of laddoo and the richness of flax seeds.

FLAX SEEDS LADDOO

Ingredients

1. Flax seeds- 1/2 kg
2. Makhana- 50 gms
3. Melon seeds- 2 tablespoon
4. Gur- 100gms
5. Kishmish (Raisins)- 2 tablespoon
6. Shelled walnuts- 1 tablespoon
7. Finely chopped Dates- 2 tablespoon
8. Elaichi powder- 1 teaspoon
   

   Procedure

   1. Dry roast flax seeds in a heavy bottomed pan on low to medium heat till they splutter and change colour.
   2. The seeds will turn crisp and break easily.
   3. Keep aside and let them cool.
   4. In the same manner dry roast makhana till they turn crisp.
   5. Similarly dry roast melon seeds too.
   6. Grind the flax seeds and melon seeds in a mixer grinder and pound the makhanas into small bits.
   7. Mix all the aforementioned ingredients (except dates and gur) in a large bowl.
   8. Crush gur into small pieces and heat them in a non stick pan.
   Hint: You may add a little water to help melt the gur soon.
   9. Add dates to the molten gur and mix well.
   10. Pour this mixture of gur and dates to the bowl containing all the seeds roasted and mixed together.
   11. Mix everything well and make lemon sized laddoos.
   Hint: You have to be very quick and swift as this mixture tends to harden soon.
   12. Consume 1 laddoo per day to get your daily dose of flax seeds in a tastier way!

Also Read:

6 Beetroot Recipes- The Superfood that Boosts Immunity, Fights Anaemia and Cleanses Liver

Health Benefits of Walnuts that might surprise you!