Flaxseeds are often sprinkled on top of yoghurt, porridge or an açaí bowl as the finishing touches to a picture-perfect breakfast.
Through this and the many benefits they deliver, they have surged in popularity in recent years, and the market size is expected to increase to $1.54 billion by 2029.
That is why we’re revealing what flaxseed is and how they may help to enhance your health.
What is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a droplet-like seed that is derived from the blue flower of a flax plant, originating from Egypt.
It is often said to be a ‘super’ food and comes in two varieties: golden and brown.
The two are highly nutritious, but they do have a slight difference. Brown flaxseed contains higher amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3. They also have slightly different tastes. While both are nutty, gold flaxseed is slightly sweeter, whereas brown has a more roasted flavour.
Available in two forms, whole and ground, it is incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into your diet.
What is Flaxseed Good For?
Traditionally used to make textiles, flaxseed found a secondary use as a nourishing snack, thanks to the vast nutrients it contains.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and lignans, it is thought to support health, delivering a myriad of benefits including aiding in relieving constipation due to being a rich source of soluble and insoluble fibre.
It is also a great source of protein, making it an excellent addition to smoothies and baked goods.
How to Eat Flaxseed
There are multiple ways to consume flaxseed, but it is recommended to opt for ground as it is easier to digest.
With that in mind, here are some quick and easy ways to include it in your diet:
- As a final addition to soup or a salad.
- A breadcrumb substitution, if you have specific dietary requirements.
- Sprinkled on top of yoghurt.
- As added crunch in your morning porridge.
- Worked into any baked goods, such as homemade bread.
- Whisked into vinegar or honey for a delicious salad dressing.
- Dusted over your açaí bowl.
Before you add these nutrient-rich seeds into a recipe, it is crucial to drink at least 150ml of fluid per tablespoon to help aid digestion due to the high fibre content.
How Much Flaxseed Can I Have per Day?
Now you are aware of the many benefits of flaxseed and how to incorporate it into your meals, you’re probably wondering how much you can add to your daily diet.
Although there are no specific recommendations for flaxseed consumption, experts agree that starting with one tablespoon per day and gradually increasing to three is considered a healthy quantity.
This slow increase may allow you to see how you react to the additional fibre. Before deciding to up the dose, give yourself a week or two to get used it, as you may find that one tablespoon is sufficient.
For further guidance on how much is right for you, consult your doctor or a dietitian.
Now you’ve learnt all there is to know about what flaxseed is and its many benefits, check out our superfood smoothie recipes, so you can discover more tasty ways to add it to your diet.
