YourHub.com \\ Tri-Lakes \\ Blogs \\ Health & Fitness \\ Healthy Eating

Blog Entry 2 of 17 Health Hint of the Week

Each week I will provide a health tip, easy ways to get and stay healthy in today's busy world.

Blog Url: http://coloradosprings.yourhub.com/~HealthyShopper

Healthy Hint of the Week - Flax seed

e-mail to a friend | print this | link to this

Contributed by: Kathy Loidolt on 1/30/2008

Do you have dry skin, chronic chapped lips, brittle and slow growing nails, dandruff or feel depressed? If so, you may be low on your omega-3 oils and may need to increase (or start)your intake of flax seed.

Flax seed is amazing! It is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins and many other micronutrients. It is considered by many to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids. It has been documented to help fight high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, cancer and many other modern ailments.

Flax seed should be purchased in the full seed form and ground at home in a coffee grinder. It can be stored in the full seed form in a cool, dark place for up to one year and in its ground form in the refrigerator for up to one month. You can put it in bread, waffle, pancake and muffin recipes, on french toast, yogurt, cereal and salads. It has a wonderful, nutty flavor and is enjoyed by even my pickiest eater!

Flax oil has twice the all-important omega-3 oils found in fish oil. It is much more unstable than flax seed and must be purchased and stored in a dark, refrigerated container. If it smells at all like paint thinner - throw it out! (Flax seed oilis also known as linseed oil.) It is not very tasty and can be taken in pill form if you prefer, but in the pill form it is difficult to decipher if the oil has gone rancid. At our house, we try to take the daily recommended dose of 1 tablespoon flax oil mixed with orange juice. You can also add flax oil to your favorite salad dressing.

If my kids are moody or have cracking lips, I threaten to give them extra flax seed oil!

< Previous: 'Health Hint of the Wee...' | Next: 'Healthy Hint of the We...' >

[Report this as objectionable content.]

SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above blog