What are superfoods and are they worth the hype?
Why do I love it so much?
Flaxseed is an incredibly well-rounded and versatile food (or I should say herb - it’s official botanical name is Linum usitatissimum, which is extremely fun to say) with a list of benefits almost as long as it’s list of uses. Flaxseed contains soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as a substance called mucilage (think of that gooey coating that surrounds a flax seed or chia seed once they get wet - that’s mucilage!) and together these work to lubricate and protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and add bulk to the stool. This promotes bowel regularity and improves the elimination of toxins and hormone metabolites through your gastrointestinal tract - making it extra useful when it comes to hormone balancing. Flaxseed can help both those prone to diarrhea and those prone to constipation. Flaxseed is rich in nutrients including the Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids, and can help to improve blood lipid and cholesterol profiles as well as blood pressure.
Tips for eating flax:
Aim to eat freshly ground, organic flax seed (since this isn’t always practical, if you are buying pre-ground flax store it in the fridge or freezer so that it will stay fresh longer—the texture will remain the same and it will prevent the natural oils from going off). It can be added to oatmeal, overnight oats, smoothies, yogurt bowls, muffins, pancakes, breads (if you’re someone who bakes your own bread, which I whole-heartedly admire), soups, and salad dressings.
My favourite flax recipe:
Hormone Healthy Chocolate Mouse Smoothie
Combine the following ingredients and blend. Makes enough for two healthy portions of dessert or one solid breakfast. Enjoy!
Handful of frozen avocado chunks (I buy President’s Choice)
2 tbsp ground flax seed (I buy pre-ground organic golden flax at Costco)
1 tbsp hemp hearts
1/2 tbsp raw cocao powder
1 ripe banana
1 heaping tbsp natural peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)
Add chocolate oat milk (I like Elmhurst for the clean ingredient list, but you can substitute with a soy, almond, regular milk etc) until a thick creamy texture is achieved*
*If you want to be sassy you can also add a little bit of cold brew…
