Flaxseed's small size often leaves people wondering how much nutrition this tiny seed can contain. Though their looks may be deceiving, flaxseeds are a potent superfood with massive health benefits. So if you're planning on trying golden flaxseed and want to learn more about how it will benefit your healthy diet, you're in the right spot. In this article, we'll discuss the many health benefits of golden flaxseeds and provide recipes that you can begin cooking today. Ready to get started? Continue scrolling to learn all there is to know about this beneficial ingredient.
What Are Flaxseeds?
Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, are the seeds harvested from the flax plant. Flax is a plant with several benefits. While flax fibers are used to make material, linen and rope, the seeds are harvested for eating. Flaxseeds can be enjoyed whole, ground into a meal, or pressed for their oils. The use of these seeds dates back to 30,000 years ago when flax was cultivated in Egypt, Switzerland, Syria and China.
Flaxseeds Taste
Flaxseeds boast a mild and nutty flavor, making them ideal for adding to sweet and savory foods. In addition, because the taste blends well with so many ingredients, flax can often be added to recipes without the eater even realizing it's there. This makes flaxseed an excellent way to sneak more nutrients into the meals of picky eaters.
Growing Flaxseed
We mentioned that flaxseed had been around for thousands of years, a feat credited to its durability. Flax is a sturdy and persistent plant that grows in several varieties. Linum usitatissimum, is the variety of flax that is cultivated for its seeds. This variety grows in large fields, where the sun always shines, and the weather is just rightparadise.
Brown Flaxseed vs. Golden Flaxseed
Though brown and golden flaxseeds are similar, they do share slight differences. Brown seed's rich color also comes with a richer flavor. In comparison, golden flaxseed is milder and ideal for individuals new to consuming this superfood.
Forms of Golden Flaxseed
Flaxseed has much to offer and can be found in several forms. Flaxseed oil is the oil extracted from the seed itself and makes an excellent nutritional supplement. Whole flaxseed can be added to baked goods, smoothies, or enjoyed as a nutritious snack. And ground flaxseed is a great addition to any recipe and can be used to thicken soups and sauces. Ground flaxseed also has added benefits since the nutrients found in it are more bioavailable and easier to use by the body.
Golden flaxseed has several benefits. From improved heart health to anti-inflammatory properties, here are a few reasons we enjoy eating golden flaxseed.
Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids are the "good" type of fat, and golden flaxseed is full of them. Eating a diet rich in omega-3s can help boost heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases. These fatty acids also play an essential role in skin, nail and hair health.
Lignans
If you haven't heard of lignans before, you're not alone. While you may not know what lignans are, eating a diet rich in them is important. Technically speaking, lignans are a type of polyphenolic compound found in plants. This means that they work the same way as antioxidants do, protecting your cells from damage. Additionally, consuming lignans regularly can help promote hormonal balance, making the lignans in golden flaxseed especially beneficial for individuals experiencing menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms.
Fiber
Golden Flaxseed is a fantastic source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Meeting your daily fiber requirements can help boost gut health, promote regularity and regulate blood sugar. What's more, foods high in fiber can help you remain fuller for longer by slowing down digestion and releasing steady streams of energy.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
One thing that separates golden flaxseed from the rest of the superfoods on grocery store shelves is that it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid, a valuable fatty acid found in flaxseed, has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and reduces inflammatory markers in your blood, promoting healthy blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Buying and Storing Golden Flaxseed
The key to keeping golden flaxseed fresh is proper storage. All forms of golden flaxseed (whole, ground and pressed) are light sensitive, meaning that the potency of their nutrients will lessen when exposed to light for extended periods.When purchasing flaxseed, check the "use by" dates on the label, and store it in a cool, dry and dark place. While an unopened bag of whole flaxseed can last well over a year, once the bag is opened or the flaxseed has been ground, you'll want to use it fairly quickly. To extend your flaxseed's shelf-life, transfer opened flaxseed into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.Learn more about how to store flaxseed correctly and extend its shelf-life by reading the article: Does Flaxseed Go Bad?
Benefits of Cooking with Golden Flaxseed
Wondering how you can use flaxseeds to take your cooking skills to the next level? The many benefits of cooking with golden flaxseed are endless. From using it as a thickener to turning flax into an egg substitute, here are a few of the reasons we love keeping flaxseed on hand.
Thickener
Baking for someone who is gluten free? Flaxseeds and flaxseed meals are excellent alternatives to gluten-containing grains. Add flax to your favorite baked treat recipe, use ground flax to thicken a soup, or work it into a creamy oatmeal dish like this Vegan Baked Oatmeal. Flaxseeds can also be added to a runny smoothie to strengthen the texture and boost the overall flavor. Adding flax to your favorite recipes is sure to deliver a great result.
Egg Substitute
Whether you're allergic to eggs or hoping to turn a traditional recipe into a gluten free one, flaxseed might be able to help. By mixing golden flaxseed with a bit of water, you can create a flax egg that will help vegan ingredients bind together and bake just like traditional ones. Read the article: How to Make Flax Egg Replacer for step-by-step instructions.
Energy Booster
Flaxseeds are loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, and just a few servings a week can help maintain and boost your energy throughout the day. Make a batch of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls for an energy-boosting snack that you can quickly eat on the go. These tasty energy balls are packed with fiber and protein to help you stay full for longer and sweet enough for the kids to enjoy!
Healthy Snack
Adding flaxseed to your favorite snack recipes is a breeze. Flaxseed's small size and mild taste make it easy to work into all types of snacks ranging from sweet to savory. Create the perfect snack for your next movie night by making this Super Snacking Popcorn. Made with a combination of Yellow Popcorn, Coconut Flakes, Organic Pumpkin Seeds and Flaxseed, it's flavored with toasted almonds, pecans and maple syrup. This popcorn is the perfect combination of your favorite flavors packed into one delicious snack.
On-the-Go Nutrition
Flaxseed meal can be added to any recipe to boost nutrition, making it the perfect ingredient when making an on-the-go meal like a smoothie. Simply add a few scoops of flaxseed to your smoothie recipe for an extra dose of healthy fats, protein and fiber. Not sure what smoothie ingredients to include? Make this Vanilla Kale Shake and enjoy a delicious meal powered by flaxseed.Golden flaxseed is an excellent food choice for individuals looking for ways to upgrade their healthy diet. Whether you work it into a smoothie recipe or use it as a thickener for soup, flaxseed provides endless amounts of nutrition by the spoonful. Begin adding flaxseed to your meals today and try out one of the recipes mentioned above, or get creative and make your own. No matter how you use this ingredient, it's sure to add a mouthwatering flavor and texture to whatever it's combined with. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, happy cooking!Do you love cooking with golden flaxseed? We'd love to hear about how you use this ingredient at home. Share your favorite flax-based recipes with us in the comments below.