As a kid I often saw my aunt send us some dark brown powder which she said was very beneficial for overall health. We would mix this powder in our bowls of dal everyday and it was relished by all. Little did we know that this so very common thing in our daily diet would become a fad one day. This was flaxseed powder.
We were not much aware of the flax seeds benefits as we hear of them now. This was a common household preparation which included roasted and ground flaxseeds with some basic Indian spices. Now the world is facing challenges of diseases of all kinds. The results of moving away from nature are showing up in dangerous forms. The change in lifestyle that took man away from natural and healthy living is getting reversed. And as a result of these changes the hidden ingredients are coming to the fore.
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Flax seed is one such lost and found ingredient. Flax seeds diet benefits are of the kind that can help curb many modern day diseases. Regular consumption of flax seeds helps lower the bad cholesterol; it helps keep blood pressure under control; it is a very rich source of omega 3 fatty acids; it is a good source of dietary fiber; presence of antioxidants help fight cancers, lignans help keep diabetes in control, protects the body against inflammations, maintains hormonal balances, and gives healthy glowing skin.
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With such benefits loaded into these tiny seeds how can one ignore their presence? They give you every reason to be added into the daily diet. Their versatility makes it even easier to make them a part of our daily food habit.
1. Cakes And Bakes: Do you bake your own goods? Simply add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to every batch of cookies, to a cake or into the bread dough. Being just a tablespoon the taste is hardly noticed but the flax seeds benefits are provided in every bite.
2. Cereals: Whether you have your cereals hot or cold does not matter. Simply sprinkle a spoon of flaxseed powder to your bowl of cereals. If you like it you can add roasted whole seeds. They will give an added crunch to your bowl.
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3. Curries: We all make curries at home. It is definitely packed with nutritious vegetables and lentils. In order to get flax seeds diet benefits we can add a tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds to the curry while preparing. It not only enhances the nutrition factor of the curry but also makes it thick and creamy.
4. Egg Supplement: There are not many ingredients we come across that work as good egg substitute for cakes but flax seeds can solve your problem. For every egg you need to add replace it with one tablespoon of flax seed and three tablespoons of water.
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5. Smoothies: Roast and grind flax seeds and store in an airtight container. Every time you prepare a smoothie add one teaspoon of the powder to a tall glass of smoothie while blending. The powder gets blended will with all the ingredients.
6. Meatballs And Loafs: Preparing meatballs and loafs? Up the nutrition quotient of these delicious dishes by adding flax seeds powder to the meat mix. Along with the spices and binders the powder gets lost and your family gets all the flax seeds benefits.
7. Soups: Boil all your soup ingredients for the desires amount of time. Let the flavors set in. When your soup is almost done add one tablespoon of flax seed powder to a soup that serves four people. If the soup needs blending then add the powder after blending the soup.
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8. Salads: Fresh, green, refreshing and filling is what salads are. They are packed with nature’s bounty of vitamins and minerals and are meant to give the body that added nutrition. Add a tablespoon of roasted whole flax seeds to a large bowl of salad. Not only are flax seeds benefits derived but the salad also gets a good crunchy nature.
Man had steered away from nature’s bounty of healthy foods and drinks. But happily the benefits of nature’s gifts are being once again acknowledged. The revival of flax seeds is a step in this direction. Flax seeds benefits are now no more hidden within the seeds but have come out into the open.