Flaxseed

By Lisa VanWilliams

You can add some flaxseed oil to a smoothie, grind them up and add them to your bread & muffins, or sprinkle it over your kale before you bake it for a nutty flavor that adds crunch. 

The flax seed comes from the flax plant and it has been around for thousands of years making it one of the oldest fiber crops in the world. WebMD stated in article, "The Flax Council estimates close to 300 new flax-based products were launched in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 alone. Not only has consumer demand for flaxseed grown, agricultural use has also increased."*

Why are they good for you?

• packed with Omega-3's (reduces inflammation in the body)
• cancer prevention -help to reduce risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.  
• lignan rich which acts as an antioxidant
• packed with fiber to help digestion (8 grams of fiber per teaspoon)
• may help to lower cholesterol
• may help to stabilize blood sugar levels
• may help to protect skin tissue from being damaged during radiation

Ground flaxseeds have less of a shelf life than whole seeds and refrigeration will increase longevity. You can purchase them either way.  

*http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed