Flax – A Little Seed Making a Big Difference
How many of you have already incorporated healthy flax into your diet? It starts as a beautiful blue flower and ends as a tiny brown seed that’s chock full off mono unsaturated fatty acids and fiber. Canada is the largest producer and exporter of flax in the world, and it’s a bandwagon you’re going to want to get on as soon as possible.
As a functional & delicious food ingredient, flax can be added to just about any dish or snack to deliver an extra health boost because of the omega-3 fats, lignans, and fiber found in the seed. These combine to offer heart health benefits including lowering cholesterol levels, assistance in cancer prevention, improvement of digestive health, and much more.
I’m from farm stock and we all love flax – not just because our family members grow it. I put it in almost everything. Recently I tried this recipe for Farmland Flax Cookies (but used whole wheat flour and only 1 1/2 cups organic sugar total) and it was fantastic. I put flax in muffins & bread, in cookies & crisp toppings, in spice rubs & breadings for meat, on warm & cold cereal and in smoothies. If you haven’t started using flax, you should!
The Healthy Flax Site from the Flax Council of Canada shares ten tips for healthy flax habits that I’d like to pass on to you:
1. Replace fat: Keep good fats in your recipes by substituting three tablespoons of ground flaxseed for one tablespoon of margarine, butter, or cooking oil.
2. Keep it handy: In your refrigerator, keep a handy stash of ground flax accessible in an opaque airtight container for up to 45 days. Whole flaxseeds can be stored for up to a year! Just use a coffee or spice grinder when you need them milled. (I keep ground flax handy in my fridge-freezer and they last forever!)
3. Simple on cereal: Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of milled or whole flaxseed onto your morning cereal or over salads for a nutty taste.
4. Dress-up: Shake or stir your daily dose of flax into your salad dressing.
5. Shake things up: Mix milled flax into yogurt or smoothie shakes for an extra energy boost.
6. Top that: Top your fruit and cottage cheese with flax for a crunchy flax punch.
7. A final touch: Stir it into thicker soups, such as lentil or bean varieties, or into pasta sauces just before serving.
8. In the mix: You can always mix whole or milled seeds into your favorite bread dough, but how about mixing it into burgers, meatloaf, fish, or vegetable patties as a tasty change.
9. Flaximum benefits: Add whole flaxseeds to cookie dough or muffin mix or sprinkle some on your favorite bread for artisan appeal.
10. Getting started: When using ground flax, because of its high fiber content, add it slowly starting with about one tablespoon per day and working up to two or more per day.
A tip from the fitness pro in me: Your body can’t absorb the good fats in whole flax so if you don’t grind it before you consume it you’re only getting the fiber. Fiber’s good, but fiber and mufas are better!
Win it! Ten randomly selected T.O.P. readers will receive a few 5 oz. packages of ground flax so you can try it out with your whole family. To enter, just leave a comment on this post before 11:59 pm on August 22/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & winners will be emailed asap.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:39 am
I have food allergies, so I use ground flax seed as an egg substitute.
Holly Tried It’s last blog post..We Met Rachel Coleman at the Signing Time! Dreamcatcher’s Concert
August 15th, 2008 at 8:03 am
I’d like to win and try it, thanks.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I’d like to win. This is something I read about all the time, and I’d like to incorporate flax into our diet.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I am so interested. I heard it’s really good.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:38 am
subscriber
August 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
use it on ice cream, yogurt, in turkey- ground and other food mixes and bread and roll mixes
August 15th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Thanks for a great giveaway!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Flax has been a part of my life for a while now. I feel very good to use it in almost every dish created in my kitchen. I especially emjoy Flax in smoothies.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I am trying to get my honey to eat healthier (like not eat bacon 3 times a day) this would be a great way to get him to incorporate something new!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hi,
I use flax seeds as egg replacer and amazed on the results.
Priya’s last blog post..My Green Garlic Plants
August 15th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I d love to win this! Sounds like a great source of fiber!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I would like to win this and start being more healthy
August 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
We buy our flax seed locally and love it! Great post!
chelle’s last blog post..Beach Day!
August 15th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I have always wanted to try flax, but never got up the nerve. Thanks for the giveaway.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Hey,
I have heard so many good things about flax!
I sure would like to try it and read any literature you can send!
I have heard it gives you lots of wonderful Omega 3’s and keeps your digestion healthier!
Thanks
August 15th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I’ve been hearing about the health benefits of flax a lot lately, I’d love to try it for myself.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I’ve heard about the benefits but admit to never taking the plunge.
gkstratos@yahoo.com
August 15th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Subscribed.
gkstratos@yahoo.com
August 15th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I use it in most of my baking recipes. Instead of using the full amount of flour, 25% of what is called for I use flax. Ex. recipe calls for 1 cup of flour I will put in 3/4 c of flour and 1/4 cup of ground flax.
Helen’s last blog post..Why is it not acceptable to feel someone’s sweaty armpits?!?
August 15th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I love to put flaxseed in my yogurt in the morning. I don’t even notice its there!
August 15th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Ground flax is where it’s at! My daughter’s been buying chips and crackers that have whole flaxseeds in them, and I can’t chew those seeds up. Don’t know what the point is. But ground flax, oh yeah, that’s good stuff.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I’ve had the flax oil in combination with cod liver oil. Great health benefits all around.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I like to use flax oil when I make hommade salad dressing. Yum!
August 15th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
This would be perfect for us. I’m trying really hard to make our meals more healthy. Thanks for the chance to win!
Natalie’s last blog post..Sniff…sniff, she’s growing up
August 15th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
my sister-in-law uses flax.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I’d love to learn how to use this properly.
August 15th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
yesterday i worked all day
August 15th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I could use some fiber in my diet
August 15th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I buy flax bread quite a lot, and have seen flax in the store, but haven’t yet tried it. I’m always meaning to pick some up.
I’d love to win this!
August 15th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
i add it to my muffins
August 15th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
My husband refuses to take the pill. He said he’s use the real stuff though.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Make this one a winner.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Healthy!!
August 15th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I like putting flax in my banana bread.
Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bebemiqui’s last blog post..Punchline: And They All Lost Sleep, Ha!
August 15th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I use ground flax in every loaf of bread I make in my breadmaker. I make probably 4 loaves a week. I love flax and the health benefits are great.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I’ve heard great things about the benefits, but had no idea how to use it. Thanks for the tips!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
My folks believe it would be good for my health if I added flax to my diet.
Thank you
August 15th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I heard it’s really good & healthy. Would love to share this around the family!
August 16th, 2008 at 4:06 am
My hustband uses flax daily and swears it helps keep his cholesterol low.
August 16th, 2008 at 7:22 am
wow
August 16th, 2008 at 7:31 am
My wife keep saying I need this! So I want to try!
August 16th, 2008 at 7:58 am
like to try this
August 16th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Thank you. I would love to try flax into my diet.
August 16th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I know this is great for my health. I’d love some.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I like flax in my muffins.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I have been wanting to try flax. I hear so many great things about it and I think it’s something my family really needs to try.
- I subscribe to your blog
- I have your button on my blog, http://www.Shescribes.com
Thanks for a great giveaway!
August 16th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I’d like to use more flax
August 16th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I’d like to win.
August 16th, 2008 at 10:22 am
would love to win ,as I’ve wanted to rry this product
August 16th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Nice prize. Count me in!
August 16th, 2008 at 11:33 am
this is such a great fiber filler for those of us who are gluten free. I also love the extra omega-3.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Here’s to our health!
August 16th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I’ve only used flax seeds for breakfast cereals, pancakes, and oatmeal cookies. Have yet to substitute ground flax for butter/margarine.
Thanks for the tips.
August 16th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
We’ve really been trying to incorporate this into our diet. Great stuff!
August 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I’ve had flax oil but have rarely had the seeds.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Flax is very good for you, thanks for the giveaway.
August 16th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
We love flax seed oil, never tried grinding though! Would love to win
August 17th, 2008 at 4:23 am
Flax muffins are much better than one would think, and great for a low carb diet.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:34 am
I tried flax many years ago and I remember having a lot of benefit from it. I would like to win so I could use this opportunity to get back to this healthy food. Thanks!
August 17th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I would love to try the Flax. We are trying to take baby steps in being healthier and the extra Omega-3’s would be great for all of us, especially my hubby and son who have specific medical conditions to which Omega-3’s are very helpful.
I’ve also blogged about the giveaway here:
http://robynsonlineworld.blogspot.com/2008/08/giveaways-for-sunday.html
Robyn in MO’s last blog post..Giveaways for Sunday
August 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Flax has been around a long time. My grandparents raved about how wonderful it worked. We need to go back to the natural things in life to help us be as strong as our ancestors.
August 17th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I am getting more and more interested in healthy living. I would love to try the flax. Thanks for the giveaway.
August 17th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
My sister just sent me a recipe for flax breakfast muffins. This would be the perfect chance to try them out.
August 17th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Love using healthy ingredients, would love to add this to my repertoire.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
My mother made a salad dressing one time with flax seed and I thought it was really good. I have read alot about the benefits lately and would like to try using it myself.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Really good for you!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I’ve been cooking and using flax for about 3 years now and my family and I love it. It’s very easy to incorporate something that is so good for you and your family into your diet. Thanks for the opportunity!
August 17th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I drink a spoonful of flax with my o.j. in the morn. It is so good for you!
August 17th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I’ve been wanting to try flax for over a year and never remember to look for it while i’m out
August 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I’d like to try some!
August 17th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I mix flax with my yogurt.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Love learning about new ideas to eat healthy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Flax with us. I appreciate it!!
Thanks so much!!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
August 17th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I’ve never tried it before and am very willing to try it. Heard its suppose to be really good for you. Thank you!
August 17th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
i’m subscribed
August 17th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I add ground flax to my yogurt every morning
August 17th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I have been wanting to start adding flax to our diets but since we live in a small rural area I cant get it around here. I would love to win this just to try it especially after reading all the benefits of flax.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Well, I’ve heard lots of good things about flax and would like to try some myself!
August 17th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I’ve read so much about the health benefits of flax but have never had a chance to try it, this looks great!
August 18th, 2008 at 4:16 am
I just saw a recipe in a magazine and it called for ground flax so it’s actually on my “to buy” list. My mom uses it and swears by it but I figured my kids wouldn’t go for it. Now’s the chance to see!!
August 18th, 2008 at 7:48 am
i’d like to try it!
August 18th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I have tried some flax cereal and loved it.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
enter me!
August 18th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Flax is great for a lot of things. Thanks for the chance. I’d love to win some.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I’d love to try out some flax seed!
August 18th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
hmmm i’ve never tried flax but i love the benefits!
August 18th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I never knew how versatile flax seed was before. I’d be willing to try it though in substitutions in order to eat healthier.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
This would be another thing to add to my list of never tried, so I would love to win it.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Thanks so much for the giveaway. I’ve heard that flax seeds are an excellent way to clean out your colon. Thanks again!
August 18th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I’ve been wanting to try this, but haven’t yet.
Julie’s last blog post..Letting go
August 19th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Great source of omegas
August 19th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Would like to try it.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I use it for the omega benefit and because the extra fiber is great.
August 19th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I’ve been trying to eat healthier, so I’d love to try this.
August 19th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I grind this and put in smoothies, soups, cookies, etc. I also give it to my horses — makes for an incredible shiny coat! Thanks!
August 19th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I would love to try this. I now add wheat germ to baked goods and even things like meatloaf. I’ve wanted to try flax but haven’t gotten around to getting any.
August 19th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This is the perfect way to keep up with the family health.
August 19th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
enter me
August 19th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I really enjoy flax so i hope to win
August 20th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Flax seems to be the one thing I always forget to pick up at the store, but I love it in my yogurt.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Sounds like an easy way to add a little extra healthy boost to the family’s diet.
Lori’s last blog post..Happy Birthday to my Husband!
August 20th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Enter me, please!
August 20th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I have never used or heard of flax seeds so this was very enlightening.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I liek Flax and enjoy it on a weekly basis.
August 20th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
love it!
August 20th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I have heard about flax and would love to try it. Thanks!
August 21st, 2008 at 4:45 am
I simply had no idea how great flax is. I can’t believe it can be a butter/margarine substitution. I love that.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:23 am
Thanks for a great giveaway!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:11 am
I need to get healthier and I have always wanted to try this. If I win, no more excuses!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:28 am
I’ll give it a try…
August 21st, 2008 at 9:36 am
I didn’t know there were so many uses for flax
August 21st, 2008 at 9:39 am
I have also heard about flaxseed, but heard that it tastes icky, so it would be nice to be able to try it, and you gave some great ideas for “hiding” it into other food, so I guess you wouldn’t hardly taste it then!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:32 am
Hubby already puts ground flax into his cereal every morning but hasn’t quite gotten me onto his bandwagon yet. But I’m willing to give anything a try for better health! Thanks for the chance to win your great giveaway!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:59 am
wow, good healthy giveaway…so many ways to use flax, no excuse not to
August 21st, 2008 at 11:03 am
I would like to try some flax–sounds like I could add it to many, many recipes that I have for deserts and breads.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
i use flax seed all the time and i love it
August 21st, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I like to add it to yogurt or ice cream.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I love flax seed i always use it in my yogurt
August 21st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I read about how great flax is suppose to be but I have never tried it. Would love to try.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I already use flax in muffins, waffles and recently in spag. sauce. I’d love to win some more! It helps keep the body running smoothly. Thanks.
Ma Val’s last blog post..I’ve Been Tagged!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I’d love to try it.
August 21st, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I would love to give flax seed a try!
August 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm
i would love to try new grains
sarah buki’s last blog post..6 Months Old!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I bought some flaxseed, but I didn’t know how to use it.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Haven’t tried any of these that I know of. Please enter me, thank you
August 21st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I’d like to try this
August 21st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Flax seed is something that I am interested in using.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:45 pm
My parents eat flax daily, and I really, really should. Your ideas will make it easier. Yum!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I already use flax seed and would love to win this!
C Duran’s last blog post..Freebie Friday – Free Stuff, Contests & Deals
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
love flax seeds thanks for the prize
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:22 am
I would love to try this! Thanks!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:46 am
tha ks
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:06 am
I would love to try this, thanks for the giveaway
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 am
I take a megadose capsule of flaxseed oil every day. I’d love to try it in my food instead
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
Cheryl Free’s last blog post..Apples of Gold Ministries
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:01 am
Your button is in my sidebar for an extra entry
Cheryl Free’s last blog post..Apples of Gold Ministries
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 am
This is a cool giveaway. Please enter me.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
I have had flax seed oil but I didn’t know it was used as a grain. I would like to try some. Thanks for the contest.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:28 am
My SIL uses this stuff and I’ve always wanted to try it!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 am
I used flax once in a muffin recipe and it was a really nice and unexpected addition.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Posting for entry, I have been wanting to try flax seed . . . hoping it will help with some health issues.
cherylfrancisco@hotmail.com
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 am
I am incorporating ground flax into my life. I sprinkle on my whole grain hot cereal with some raw honey or pure maple syrup. I also make muffins from ground flax seed, 100% stone ground wheat flour, raw honey, apples, and pure coconut oil, etc. They came out delicious…I also added cinnamon and nutmeg…and they have this spice bread taste. After they are done baking, I put them in a ziploc and store them in the freezer for a quick treat, breakfast, etc. I am without excuse to eat healthy if I have those available.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
I am making changes in my health and what I eat so I would love to try this.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I’ve used flax seed oil, but never flax itself. I’d sure like to try it!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I have heard of the benefits of flaxseed, would love to try some
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I actually use ground flax every morning in my smoothie. Pretty tasty.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
This stuff is really good for you. You can easily add it to smoothies.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I would like to try it.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I have been thinking about adding flax to my diet.
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:53 am
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:55 am
I subscribed to your feed.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I LOVE flax and actually made some cookies yesterday with it.