How You Can Add Flax Seed and Omega 3 to Your Diet

Flax seed comes from an ancient plant going back before 5,000 B.C. called the "linnaeus plant". It is a bluish flowered plant that is found in the many parts of the world, including in the United States. There are several varieties of flax seed, however they all have the same thing in common, great health benefits. Another common name for it is also called Linseed.

The health benefits are endless. It is high in fiber and Omega 3. It will lower cholesterol and your blood pressure, prevent many types of cancers, including the colon, maintain a strong heart against heart disease, and even decreases asthma outbreaks. It has been shown to help brain function and moods.

I use it all the time in baking. It has a nutty taste. When buying flax seeds, you want to make sure they are plump and shiny for freshness. You need to store it in a dark cool place, otherwise it could go rancid. You will have to grind the seeds, otherwise they will be hard to digest.

There has been a lot of research on the health benefits of eating the flax seed with some minor concerns. However, the health benefits really outweigh any concerns. In today's world, there always seems to be some concern about the studies on the foods we eat.

Flax seed oil is the best rated oil when it comes to "healthy oils".

Omega 3 is found also in fishes like salmon and tuna. However, with all the concerns of mercury that is showing up in our bodies of waters, this is a way to alleviate those fears by eating flax seed instead. And if you don't like fish at all, then there's your solution.

A quantity of two tablespoons of flax seed is enough Omega 3-fatty essential acid to maintain a daily minimum amount. There is no maximum amount that is too dangerous. While educating myself on flax seed, I have come across several products and ways to add flax to the foods I eat.

Here is a list of ideas to add flax in your diet:

If you like making toll house cookies, instead of using a cup of nuts, substitute a cup of ground flax seeds. I also reduce the butter by two tablespoons, the white and brown sugar by one-third each, and cut the quantity of chocolate bits to make a healthier cookie. It actually tastes better than the regular recipe. You could actually just substitute any nut you would put in baking recipe with ground flax seed.

You can add a tablespoon of ground flax seed to your cereals.

Make a healthy sandwich with Pepperidge Farm "Honey Flax".

Add ground flax seed to any home made breads or focaccia .

Sprinkle ground flax seed on your ice cream cone or sundae.

Here are some products that have Omega 3 in them that I continue to use:

New Horizon Organic Milk with DHA Omega 3 fortified

Smart Balance Omega 3 peanut butter

4 Grain Omega 3 large eggs

Smart Balance Butter with Omega 3

There are more products coming to market all the time with Omega 3 and flax seed in them. Outside knowing I'm getting my Omega 3 and fiber with eating flax, it also helps suppress your appetite. Therefore you can lose or maintain your desired weight by using flax seed. However, always make sure you drink plenty of water when you eat flax seed as well as any soluble fiber.