This is our fourth installment of our “Super Foods” series. We want to continue inspiring you to have a happy belly. Read all about “Flax Seeds” below to learn why we think they are “Super” and how to incorporate more into your everyday busy life!
- Sea vegetables
- Bone broth
- Leafy green vegetables
- Freshly ground flax seeds
- Coconut oil
- Green tea
- Sauerkraut
- Eggs
- Water
- Brazil nuts
Why Do We Need Flax?
Flaxseeds have many wonderful properties…
- Great source of fiber: Helps with regularity and healthy BMs.
- Great lubricator: Properties seem to lubricate our systems. Menopausal women have found that it helps with vaginal dryness (2T in water daily).
- Great for fighting breast cancer: Flaxseeds may reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 70%.
- Great for heart health and blood sugar: Flaxseed has an abundance of ALA, a type of Omega-3 which has been shown to reduce triglycerides and improve blood sugar control.
- Great for hot flashes AND reversing estrogen dominance: Read more…
Estrogen dominance is becoming a more regular concern of my clients. Both male and female, young and mature. Our diet, environment and unique ability to detoxify hormones is the dynamic that causes this. When we eat too much sugar or flour (sometimes, even if its whole-grain flour), we over-produce insulin, a hormone that in excess will block our production of sex hormones. What harm is this causing?
- In men, causing larger breasts, smaller muscles, larger bellies, lower sex drive, and prostate problems.
- In women, causing troublesome PMS, increased depression, higher body fat, and a higher risk of breast cancer.
- In children, causing premature sexual development.
- In everyone, causing increases in the risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Including freshly ground flaxseed in your daily diet can really help. Flaxseeds are a “weakly estrogenic” food, meaning it mimics estrogen in a natural and safe way and fits in the estrogen receptors. This helps fill the receptors that otherwise would be filled with xenoestrogens, harmful “estrogen disturbers” (Fake stuff found in birth control pills, our water supply, heated plastics, etc.)
Why Freshly Ground FlaxSeed?
They go rancid so darn quick! I like to grind a small amount in a spice (or coffee) grinder and have enough for the week. I also recommend actual flax seeds over flax oil. Flax oil is particularly vulnerable to oxidation from heat, light, and air. It’s safest to get your nutrition by eating freshly ground flaxseed.
What Do You Recommend I DO With Flax?
Add it to a cup of warm water or almond milk – 2T per day is great! I love putting 2T in my breakfast protein smoothies. You can also start sprinkling it over salads, veg, etc. Flaxseeds also make a great substitute for eggs.
Recipe Ideas:
Super Seed Nutrient Dense Bread (grain-free, vegan)
Super Seed Crackers (grain-free, vegan)
