The flax plant has long been providing fibers for linen. Recently, its seeds have become a hit in the kitchen, too, for very healthy reasons. Flax seed in the form of either oil or ground seed meal not only provides vital nutrients, but it adds tasty flavor and texture to a variety of foods.
Fiber
The benefits of added fiber to the diet are now well-known. First, there's the value of gastrointestinal regularity. Also, the right kind of fiber can raise "good" HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL, the kind that increases heart disease risk.
Flax seed is a very efficient way to add fiber. Two tablespoons of it contain 4g of fiber, which is the same as a cup and a half of oatmeal. Think about the impact of adding a little flax seed to your morning bowl!
Lignans
Antioxidants are another bonus of flax seed, specifically the phytonutrient known as lignan. According to Ask Dr. Sears.com, flax seed contains at least 100 times more lignans than other plant foods. Two tablespoons of flax seed has lignans equivalent to 30 cups of fresh broccoli.
Alpha-linoleic Acid/Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are not common enough in typical American diets, says the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. As more becomes known about the powerful health effects of them, however, consumers are finding more ways to add this protective nutrient to their daily intake. Flax seed provides a plant version of omega-3 known as alpha-linoleic acid which, in fact, makes up about half of the oil of flax seed.
Good Taste
Baked into many kinds of breads, muffins, and other grain-based foods, flax seed meal provides a mild nutty flavor. It can also be used as a thickening or texturizing ingredient, in lieu of less healthful foods such as cornstarch. The subtlety of flax seed's flavor is such that it can be added to liquid foods such as smoothies and gravies without altering taste. The oil, however, should not be used for a cooking oil; it can be added in small doses after cooking is complete.
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