How to Eat Flax Seeds

Before looking at how to eat flax seeds, it is important to look at the benefits of flaxseed nutrition. Flax seeds are an all natural and affordable health supplement. In terms of major preventative care, flax seeds have been shown to lower bad cholesterol, guard against heart disease and have been listed as a potential aid to prevent cancer. Chances are that the average user is more interested in the immediate health benefits of flax seeds. Fortunately, there are many. 

A Nutritional Super Food

Flax seeds contain vital omega-3 fatty acids, as well as magnesium, fiber, and ligans (prevention of breast cancer). Flax seeds have also been shown to decrease insulin resistence and protect against diabetes. A regular diet of flax seeds can also help the body defend against a whole host of diseases related to the immune system. The alpha linolenic acid in conjunction with the lignans promotes the healthy function of the immune system. Additionally, many people use flax seeds as a weight management system. Eating a small serving of flax seeds before a meal has been shown to curb appetite and encourage weight loss by preventing over-eating. 

The wonderful thing about flax seeds is that they are such a versatile nutrient source. Determining how to eat flax seeds is limited only by your imagination, but here are a few of the best, and easiest, ways to eat flax seeds.

How to Eat Flax Seeds: Ten Ways!

1) Salads -  Flax seeds can work nicely sprinkled to taste into a variety of salads. Because salads themselves are creative endeavors, sprinkling in some flax is an easy and nutritious way to go. 

2) Cold Cereal - Similar to salads, sprinkling a little flax seed on a bowl of cereal every morning is SO easy. Don't over-do it though. Flax does have a taste and texture (not strong, but still noticeable) so if you like the taste of your frosted flakes, apply in moderation. 

3) On Yogurt - Sprinkle a little in and your will hardly know its there. Similarly, add it to cottage cheese, or even ice cream! 

Again, get creative! Learning how to eat flax seeds is largely a function of 

4) Hot Cereal - You can generally get away with adding more flax seed to hot cereal, because the texture, heat, and taste naturally help mask the grains. If a larger serving is what you want, go with hot cereal. 

5) Smoothie or Shake - Flax can be thrown in the blender with virtually anything and you will never know its there. With smoothies and shakes it can be a great option because many people like to use flax as a post-workout (or pre-workout) nutrient. 

6) Egg Substitute - Many Vegans have long used ground flax as a substitute for eggs in common recipes, especially in baking (just make sure you get the ratio right)! In fact, even if you do use eggs in a recipe, ground flax can still be added with no problems. 

7) PB & J - Okay, this one is a little specific, but sprinkling flax on the peanut butter in a sandwich is an easy way to get the nutrition you desire. 

8) Mashed Potatoes - You add salt and pepper anyway, why not throw in some ground flax seed? This is a great way to "spruce up" otherwise empty carbs. 

9) Pancakes/Waffles - Again, simple idea with serious health benefits. Sprinkle some into the batter before you make waffles or pancakes. 

10) Pasta Sauce - Add some flax to your pasta sauce and the kids will never know!

Hope this helps you find some creative ways of how to eat flax seeds!