Why you should add flax to your diet
Looking for an easy way to add extra nutrients to your diet? Start with flax!
Flaxseed is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history. In fact, the earliest evidence of the use of flax dates back 30,000 years, during the Upper Paleolithic period, where prehistoric man spun flax fibers into threads. Today, flaxseed (or linseed, as it is known in other areas of the world) is still used to make linen.
When it comes to eating, flax has a mild, nutty flavor and is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber. Most people prefer ground flax, since it’s easier to mix into recipes, and because whole flaxseeds can be more difficult to chew. Ground flax typically lasts about 6-16 weeks. For best quality, you should store opened packages of ground flax in the refrigerator.
Serving suggestions:
- Sprinkle flax on your cereal or oatmeal.
- Add it to your favorite baking recipe.
- Add it to smoothies.
- Sprinkle on top of vegetables.
You can also use flax as an egg replacement in baking. To make one “flax egg,” simply take 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and combine it with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and place it in the refrigerator to set. After 15 minutes, it’s ready to use!
Look for ground or whole seed flax in our grocery aisles.
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