The Health Benefits of Ground Flaxseed and Why You Should Include it in Your Diet

Ground flaxseed has so many health benefits. I recommend it for almost everyone. Read on to learn all the health benefits of ground flaxseed and what foods to add it to. (For those with IBS, cancer, or taking blood thinners, hormones, or antiplatelet medications flaxseeds are not recommended. Always check with your physician if you have heart disease or another medical condition. Though rare, allergic reactions to flaxseed have been reported.)

One tablespoon of ground flaxseed provides:

• 2 grams of fiber, 37 calories, and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically ALA
• Is particularly high in thiamine, a B vitamin, and copper
• May lower your risk of breast cancer particularly for postmenopausal women
• Animal studies show it also protects again colorectal, skin, blood, and lung cancer
• Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber which supports gut health. However, more is not necessarily better. More than 2 TBs a day may cause bloating and gas. Start slow with 1 tsp. per day until your body gets used to it. Then aim for a tablespoon every day!
• May help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
• According to a review of 11 studies ground flaxseed may significantly lower blood pressure

I try to consume 1 TB of ground flaxseed every day. The brand I like the best is Bob’s Red Mill Ground Flaxseed Meal available in most grocery stores in the baking aisle. It's important to note that flaxseed should be ground and not taken whole. This is so your body can absorb it. It lasts for approximately 3 months in the refrigerator.

What do I add it to?

• A tsp. or two on a salad gives the salad a nice nutty flavor
• A TB in a smoothie works great
• A tsp. mixed into yogurt is delicious
• A TB on a bowl of cereal is perfect or stir it into a bowl of hot oatmeal
• A tsp. sprinkled on a slice of whole wheat bread topped with nut butter is good
• When I am baking muffins, banana bread, or making pancakes for my family I add a couple of tablespoons and no one is the wiser!

I hope that you will enjoy adding ground flaxseed to your healthy snacks and meals. Let me know what you put it in. I am thinking of you!  Lisa