INTRODUCTION TO FLAX

Flax seed is one of the richest sources of Omega 3 fatty acid. This fatty acid is essential for the body, and since the body cannot produce essential fatty acids, dietary sources are the only means of obtaining it

 

Golden flax seed offers 48% of its total fat content as Omega 3 fatty acids. The next best source of these acids is fish. But you would have to eat about a pound of fish to get the same amount of Omega 3 as 1/4 cup of ground flax seed.

 

The SOLUBLE and INSOLUBLE fiber in Golden Flax seed helps move digested food and waste products through the digestive tract while aiding in constipation problems, digested flax helps with cholesterol reduction and the removal of toxins, while promoting overall intestinal health.

 

Golden Flax seed is also high in lignans, which can help substantially reduce menopause and PMS symptoms. Recent research has shown that the lignan content in flax is the component that gives flax its anti-cancer/immune system boosting characteristic.

 

 

When you add flax to your diet, you will be pleasantly surprised that it does not change the taste or flavor of what you are adding it to ! On its own, flax does have a slightly sweet nutty taste. There are many different ways in which flax seed can be used. Flax seed can be used in its whole or milled forms. 

 

 

o Whole Seeds

Although we always recommend grinding the seed to get the full health benefit, some people like to sprinkle the whole seed on their salad as they enjoy the nutty taste and crunch texture. You can also use them in baking, but it is preferable to grind them to get the full nutritional benefit.

 

o Milled Flax

To get the most out of the seeds we Cold Mill the whole seed to a fine consistency. Once ground you can sprinkle  flax on salads, cereal and add to casseroles, sauces, and many other cooked foods.

 

Please click here to view our Recipes section for some great ways to add flax to your diet!

 

 

Our bodies cannot produce EFA's, which means that dietary sources are the only means of obtaining them.  Flax contains a high percentage of the Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 (Alpha-Linolenic Acid “ALA”) and a lower percentage of Omega-6, which support the critical organs and functions of the body. Essential fatty acids (‘EFA’s”), especially Omega-3 is very low in the average American diet, due to the processed and saturated fats in our diet and food preparation. .

 

Flax is also a rich source of protein, fiber, minerals, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E . Flax seed also contains a nutrient called Lignans, which studies show is associated with the prevention of cancers of the male/female reproductive system.

 

Two types of flax seed are available—brown and golden. Both types have about the same nutrient value, but brown flax typically is a smaller, flat seed as opposed to golden flax that has a plump, larger seed with a brighter sheen. A larger seed therefore,  yields more oil content per seed.

 

Golden flax seed has a “nutty” flavor as opposed to brown flax which can have a “bitter” flavor, which is why the Golden flax is now used mostly for quality human consumption and food production, while brown flax is typically used for lower end food products, baking, animal feed and linseed oil extractions for paint products