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Why Flax seed + Easy recipes to add flaxseed to your family’s snacks and meals.

by scoop team | January 27, 2015

Flax seeds (also called linseeds) are a rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3.  As a source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber, flaxseed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

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There are two main types of flax seed: golden flaxseed and brown flaxseed; their nutritional profiles are very similar and both contain the same number of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.  To reap the most benefits from flax seeds, Flaxseed should be bought in ground form or ground before consumption as whole flax seeds can sometimes pass through the digestive tract undigested.

Because it has just a very subtle nutty flavor, I can slyly add ground flaxseed (also known as flaxseed meal) to oatmeal, smoothies, cereal, soups, casseroles, salads, yogurt, pancakes, and baked goods.

I’ll even “bread” chicken and salmon with it and sometimes replace eggs in a recipe with flax eggs.  All I do is stir together 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons of water, and I have an excellent vegan egg substitute.

If you’re hesitant about incorporating flaxseed into your meals, give some of these delicious recipes a try.  Your family will never know they are eating something that is actually good for them!

No-Bake Energy Bites

Simple Homemade Granola

Date-Oat Muffins

Healthy Pancake Mix

Gluten-Free Veggie Burger

Flax Seed Smoothie

Parsley Flax Seed Pesto

Coconut & Honey No-Bake Energy Bites

Flourless Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

15 Minute Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

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