How to Eat Flax Seed

Whole Flax Seed.
Photo courtesy Rumun999, Wikipedia Commons.

I love listening to Dr. Oz, The Doctors and health segments on the morning news. But, sometimes they talk about eating things I've never heard of.

Last year someone mentioned the health benefits of flax seed. The first thing that came to mind were the seeds in my pet bird's food bowl. Aren't seeds bird food? Now, a year later, I can't imagine not adding flax seed to my meals and baking endeavors. Here's why!

The Benefits of Flax Seed
Milled flax seeds aid in digestion (um, keeps you regular), helps lower cholesterol and may decrease your risk of heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. To get the full benefit of flax seeds, eat them milled or ground. Whole seeds can be difficult to digest, and pass through your system without breaking down. Flax seed oil is also beneficial, but doesn't contain the same amount of fiber found in seeds.

How to Eat Flax
  • Stir a tablespoon of milled flax seed into a bowl of oatmeal.
  • Add a sprinkle of ground flax seed to a fruit smoothie to give it a nutty flavor.
  • Mix milled flax seed into bread dough, oatmeal cookie dough or whole wheat pizza dough.
  • Use flax seed oil in homemade salad dressing.
How do you incorporate flax seed into your diet? 
Please share your tips and tricks in the comments below.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Flax seed oil is also fabulous for skin care.  
Benefits and Uses of Flax Oil for Youthful Skin
The Facts About Flaxseed Oil for Healthy Skin

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22 comments:

  1. I take a supplement that contains a combination of oils - flax, fish, safflower, borage, sesame seed and vitamin E oils. I also have an all natural honey almond flax kashi bar for breakfast every day :)

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    1. Both of those sound great! I'll have to look for those in the grocery store. Thanks!

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  2. I bake it into my rice bread and put it on my cream of rice in the morning.

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    1. That sounds perfect! I love the nutty taste flax seed gives to other foods.
      ~ Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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  3. This post served as a great reminder to me. My mother used flax seeds and I've been meaning to get some for myself. They really are beneficial. Thanks for this post!

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    1. You're welcome! I hope you find fun ways to incorporate them into your diet.

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  4. Great post. I used to put flax seeds in my smoothies, but got away from it. Will start using them again.

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    1. Try adding flax seed to a strawberry or blueberry smoothie. It makes them taste like strawberry shortcake or blueberry pie!! YUM!
      ~ Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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  5. I used to eat flax seed a lot on oatmeal and in smoothies. I also like the oil, but it's SOOOO expensive. I think I need to pick some up or call my farmer relatives in ND as they grow flax. Maybe they can hook me up:)

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    1. I live in Iowa and it's not too pricey here. Shop around (away from health food stores!) or order online to get a bulk deal! I can find it next to the flour in my regular grocery store. Good luck!
      ~ Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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  6. I like to add milled flax seed to oatmeal, yogurt, soup and stews. If I remember, I'll also put it in muffins, pancakes and bread.

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    1. I've never added it to soup, but that's a great idea! Thanks for the tip! ~ Angela

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  7. Several ways to sneak in healthy eating. Good stuff.

    Popping in as an A to Z Blogging Challenge participant. Please feel free to visit and comment on any of my blogs as well, leaving a link to your own post, so my readers can find you too!

    You can click my name/icon for links to all six A to Z blogs! Happy A-to-Z-ing!

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    1. There really are! And flax seed is so easy to use! No washing, peeling or chopping involved! LOL! ~ Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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  8. I have been wanting to try flax seed for quick some time. However, I've just never gotten around to it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful info!

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    1. You're welcome! I keep a box of milled flax seed in the refrigerator and just add a dash whenever I can. I figure the extra omegas are good for me! Thanks for stopping by! ~Angela

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  9. Interesting, I never thought about putting incorporating them this way. Thank you!

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  10. I am eating flax seeds now in some granola I just made. Of all places, I found them at my local Dollar Tree. A brand called Good Grains which is a 16 ounce bag and it is whole all natural. Love them! I could not pass them up for this price. My favorite natural food store sells them for $13.59 and up.

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    1. That sounds yummy! I will have to check my local Dollar Tree for them now!! Thanks for the great tip! ~Angela

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  11. Flax seeds are a great source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which have heart healthy effects.It is very powerful plant. This blog is very good, I really like reading. Thank you for sharing.
    Renew life digest more

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  12. Your post is really good providing good information.. I liked it and enjoyed reading it. Keep sharing such important posts.Sierrasil Ontario

    ReplyDelete

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