Daily consumption of flaxseeds has proved benefits. This nutty dietary supplement is cultivated for its nutrient value majorly high omega 3 fat content which is needed for healthy heart. Apart from its being super food for heart, flaxseeds have other nutrients like lignan and loads of fibre which can give you:

• Better bowel movement: Its richness in fibre aids bowel movement impressively.
• Reduced cholesterol: It omega 3 fatty acids help bring down LDL values and improve HDL values in the blood.
• Benefit in weight loss: Its low carb and high fibre content makes this food swell in the intestine upon ingestion which gives feeling of full stomach thus helping to avoid over eating.
• Healthy and glowing skin: Its antioxidant properties make it good and viable for fighting signs of aging like sagging of skin, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots etc.
• Fight breast cancer: Lignan present in Flaxseeds help remove chances of formation of cancerous cells in the body. This is especially true for colon and breast cancer cell development.

Apart from being rich source of healthy fats, these tiny seeds upon regular consumption add required manganese, magnesium, selenium and zinc to our diet. Its protein and vitamin B1 content is also in health brackets and thus the overall nutrient chart of flaxseeds is full of compliments for this plant product.

With above benefits in view let us concentrate on ways of including this food in our diet. Flaxseed can be bought as whole or in ground powder form. Both ways the nutrient content varies as follows.

Possible ways and benefits of consuming flaxseed in whole form!

• For whole seeds there are more chances of less absorption of nutrients in the blood especially with those having weak digestion. While powdered forms are better when it comes to being ready and easy sources of nutrient in the body. As whole this product can be added to cereals, salads, soups and while baking. In whole form it gives different texture and feel to the food item when compared to powdered form. So use is based on your choice and liking.

Possible ways to use Flaxseed powder and benefits of using it in powdered form!

• Ground or powdered flaxseeds are more convenient to use plus give more fibre to your meal. But freshly ground flaxseeds have no comparison. If buying packaged flaxseed powder, be sure to by product which is properly packaged to maintain hygiene plus more importantly it should be multi-layered packaging so as the product does not come in contact with air. Air oxidises the fats in this food product making it less useful.

So, Buying whole seeds and grinding required amount for immediate use is the best way by far. In powder form flaxseeds can be had raw i.e. we need not cook them. Just adding a tablespoon to daily bowl of cereal, or sprinkling over salads to add texture, using a small quantity while kneading dough for flatbreads or other baked items are some ways to include this health promoting plant product in diet. Powdered forms are especially suggested for those wanting to improve kidney function (Lupus patients) or those wanting to wave of menopausal symptoms.

How to use Flaxseed Oil?

• Another possible way of consumption is as oil. Cold compressed as well as expeller compressed flaxseed oil varieties are available in the market today. Both ways this oil is rich and proves to be healthy and nourishing replacement to some dairy items otherwise used for greasing cakes, gravies, breads, sandwiches etc.

As an oil Flaxseed oil can be used in tiny amounts for salad dressing, used as emulsifier in mayonnaise preparation, greasing cookie trays, in flash frying vegetables, as part of fresh bread spreads and more. Flaxseed oil capsules are also now available and can be consumed for reaping benefits of this super food but consult your dietician to know exact dosage required for your body type.

If you are using flaxseed oil do not overdo it. With powdered flaxseeds or even whole seeds, consult your physician (for amount in grams) to complement the consumption to your physical need.

Just be creative with you culinary skills and combine your family’s food habits and likings with new ideas to add flaxseeds in your daily diet.

For more information about Flaxseeds, click here