Has anyone noticed that more and more health foods nowadays contain linseeds? Cookies, oatmeal, cereal, vegan muffins, gluten-free granola, and even pancakes – this superfood seed is truly everywhere! Let’s talk about why health buffs and vegans alike love to put linseeds on everything.
Some people call this golden seed as linseeds; some call them flaxseeds. Either way, they are the same because this is just one plant we are talking about here. In general, American people call it flaxseeds. But everywhere else, these seeds are called either linseeds or flaxseeds. Now that we get that out of the way let’s talk about why this humble seed is good for you.
Why should you eat linseeds/flaxseeds?
- Linseeds makes you smarter.
This otherwise ordinary-looking golden seed is one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids among the plant kingdom. Omega-3 protects the brain from degeneration. So, if you are vegan or if you don’t eat seafood, then better add some linseeds into your daily diet. Do this to keep your brain sharp.
2. Linseeds help you to poop daily
You will observe that linseeds tend to form into clear gelatinous consistency once soaked in water. That’s because these seeds contain lots of dietary fiber. Consuming linseeds helps to keep your gut healthy. It will help you to flush out excess fat and toxins. Likewise, fiber will also regulate your hunger, keeping you feeling full and satisfied longer.
3. Linseeds/flaxseeds reduce cholesterol
Flaxseed’s fiber forms a gel that binds into harmful cholesterol. The ground seeds will then flush out all those fats and other nasties that will otherwise take residence in your gut. Linseeds also protect your heart by reducing your blood pressure.
4. Helps with weight loss
Because of linseeds excellent fiber content, it helps to maintain your blood sugar at normal levels. You will feel fewer cravings in between meals if you will take a few servings of linseeds in the morning.
Flaxseeds/Linseeds Recipes: Easy Tips to Consume These Seeds
Dietitians, vegans, and health buffs love linseeds for a reason. That’s because it‘s loaded with vitamins and minerals. And what’s good about linseeds is the fact that it can mix well with most foods. Here’s how you can add flaxseeds into your daily meals without changing your daily routine.
Linseeds as a Vegan Egg Substitute
If you want to stay vegan, then you can use linseeds to replace the eggs in your recipe. You can mix one tablespoon of finely ground linseed powder with about three tablespoon water to replace one medium-sized egg. If you have whole linseeds, you can use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle to turn your seeds into powder. Whisk this flaxseed and water mixture until it becomes gelatinous before you add it to your omelet or cookie batter.
Power Up Your Smoothie
Add one to two tablespoons of ground linseeds into your smoothie. This improves the nutritional profile of your morning drink without the need to add in any hard-to-find ingredients. Take note, though, to add just a little the first time as it can make your smoothie too thick and gooey.
Bake with Linseeds
You can mix in a few tablespoons of linseeds/flaxseeds with your regular muffin, cookie, or bread recipe. Ground it and stir it as you usually do, then toss it to the oven. It won’t alter your recipe’s taste but will make it so much healthier.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Add-In
Ground linseeds are ready to eat on its own, no need to cook it. That said, you can top your oatmeal or cereal with some linseeds. You can also stir it into your cooked oats. Linseeds are gluten-free so if you are gluten-sensitive then you can replace your oats with ground linseeds.
Linseeds Overnight Oats
Mix in a cup of milk, two tablespoons of ground linseeds, cinnamon, honey, or nuts and store in the fridge overnight. This overnight oat recipe is easy to prepare and would give you a hassle-free breakfast the next day.
Linseeds/Flaxseeds as Breadcrumbs Substitute
If gluten-free is your thing, then you can use ground linseeds as a substitute for bread crumbs. Linseeds bind to meat products just as well as breadcrumbs. Take note not to grind it too finely, though, so you won’t miss that crunchy taste.
The best way to get the most out of linseeds/flaxseeds is to buy them whole, not ground. You can buy in large packs, just make sure to transfer them to an airtight glass or plastic container. To maintain freshness longer, you can also store them sealed in the fridge.