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Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytochemicals, flaxseed packs a nutritional punch! Read all about the amazing health benefits of this tiny seed and learn how you can incorporate it into your diet. Plus, get the recipe for my Blueberry Banana Flaxseed Smoothie!

Although flaxseed has been cultivated for centuries, it’s recently become extremely popular because of its numerous health benefits. This tiny seed packs a big nutritional punch!

It has been touted to cure just about every disease from diabetes to heart disease to cancer. However, the full effects of flaxseed on the human body are still not completely known.

What is known for sure is that this tiny seed is rich in several important compounds. These include protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytochemicals. All of these have very important health benefits.

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How to buy flaxseed
How to use flaxseed
Flaxseed health benefits
Blueberry banana flaxseed smoothie
More tasty flaxseed recipes
More articles on superfoods
Recipe
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How to buy flaxseed

You can purchase flaxseed at most natural foods stores or health food stores. You can buy it whole, ground (milled) or as an oil. It also comes in golden or brown varieties but there's no nutritional difference between the two.

The whole seeds have a tough exterior, which makes them difficult to digest. Therefore, they tend to pass through the body without giving you much nutritional benefit.

Our bodies absorb the ground form much better. Therefore, ground flaxseed provides more health benefits.

Pre-ground flaxseed however, has a short shelf life. So the best idea is to buy it whole and grind it up in a coffee or spice grinder as you need it. You can store unused flaxseed in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.

How to use flaxseed

Flaxseed is very versatile- you can incorporate it into a wide variety of recipes. To reap all of the health benefits of flaxseed, aim to eat 1-2 tablespoons a day.

Here are a few ideas for how to use flaxseed in your recipes:

Sprinkle flaxseed on oatmeal in the morning
Make a yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and ground flaxseed
Stir ground flaxseed into hot soups, stews and pasta sauces
Add it to meatloaf or meatballs
Use it in baking recipes- add it to cakes, cookies, quick breads and muffins

Try my easy and delicious Banana Flaxseed Bread! It's packed with nutritious whole grains, Greek yogurt and flaxseed. Banana bread is the ultimate comfort food! Plus, when it's baking in the oven, it will make your kitchen smell divine!

Banana flax bread on a wooden cutting board with a slice cut off.

Flaxseed is also an excellent addition to smoothies to add extra fiber and protein. Smoothies are a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet. You can enjoy them as a snack or even a meal replacement. Check out my Quick Guide To Making Healthy Smoothies.

Flaxseed health benefits

There are 3 main components that make flaxseed so good for you:

Fiber:

- Flaxseed is high in soluble and insoluble fiber. A diet high in fiber has several health benefits. These include helping to reduce cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure, and promoting heart health.

- Fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It’s also very important in maintaining bowel integrity and regularity. It may also play a role in preventing colorectal cancer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential compounds that our bodies need to function. However, because we don’t naturally produce omega-3s, we must get them from our diet.

- Flaxseed contains high levels of alpha linoleic acid (ALA). ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are mainly found in fatty fish like salmon.

- Omega-3s have incredible health benefits. They reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by several different mechanisms including lowering triglycerides and reducing blood clotting.

- They also are important for neurologic development, especially in fetal development and young children. Omega-3s may also help reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly but more studies are needed.

- Because they work to reduce inflammation, omega-3s may improve symptoms in diseases such as arthritis and asthma. Other good food sources of ALA are canola oil, soybean oil and walnuts.
Phytochemicals:

- Flaxseed is packed with phytochemicals, which are compounds found in plants that are beneficial to the body. They are an especially rich source of lignans, which are compounds that mimic the action of the hormone estrogen in our bodies.

- Lignans also have strong antioxidant properties. The lignans in flaxseed may provide some protection against cancers that are sensitive to hormones such as breast cancer.

- Lignans also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which plays a role in preventing certain diseases like asthma. Lignans help reduce inflammation associated with plaque.

Of note, flaxseed oil contains omega-3s but does not have the fiber and lignans found in the rest of the seed.

Blueberry banana flaxseed smoothie

Now you know why I said this amazing little seed is packed with nutrition! If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate it into your diet, try my Blueberry Banana Flaxseed Smoothie.

Blueberries, another superfood, are higher in antioxidants than any other fruit. They’re also packed with fiber and several vitamins including Vitamin C.

Greek yogurt adds tangy flavor and a boost of protein to this smoothie. Bananas and honey add sweetness.

Throw in some flaxseed and it’s the perfect, nutritious drink to get you going in the morning or anytime of day. Enjoy!