It’s just the flax ma’am, and the facts are that the benefits of flaxseeds go beyond the earthy, nutty flavor it lends to your meals. In case you haven’t already heard, you need to add flaxseeds to your diet – your health depends on it. Flaxseed has been shown to prevent heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. These are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have heart healthy properties. Flaxseeds are also loaded with lignans, which contain plant estrogen and antioxidants, as well as plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber. In addition to warding off chronic illness, flaxseeds lower blood cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Flaxseeds are also beneficial in fighting constipation, hemorrhoids and other intestinal issues. This superfood has a nutty flavor and can be added to salad, vegetables and cereal. You can also use whole or ground flaxseeds, as well as flour or flaxseed oil to prepare food.

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate flaxseeds into your daily eating regimen, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your oatmeal or cereal. Come lunchtime, you can mix up a teaspoon of flaxseed into your mayo or mustard as a sandwich spread. For a snack booster, stir a tablespoon into your yogurt. If baking is your thing, add ground flaxseed to cookies, muffins, banana bread and other baked goods. While some experts recommend consuming some flaxseed on a daily basis, if you use flaxseed oil, it’s important to combine it with other oils that have omega 6 such as sesame oil, sunflower oil or evening primrose oil. Over an extended period of time, flaxseed oil can contribute to a deficiency in omega 6, which is why it’s important to balance things out.