What Is Flax?

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a tall slender plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years, dating back to Ancient Egypt. It  is grown for it’s fibres, for it’s medicinal properties and as a food product.

Flax seed, and it’s derivative flax seed oil (also known as linseed oil) has recently experienced a renaissance amongst the healthy eating community, being recognized as a nutrient dense, tasty and versatile superfood.

Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsatured fats that are essential for many vital functions including brain development and in maintaining cardiovascular health. The richest sources of Omega 3’s are found in cold water fish and eggs.
Vegans must find alternative sources of these essential fatty acids as the body is unable to produce them. Fortunately, flax seeds are one of the richest sources of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is a biological precursor to EPA a type of Omega 3.

Flax Seed Health Benefits

Apart from high levels of Omega 3, flax seeds and organic flax seed oil possess many other beneficial health properties. Flax seeds contain a high amount of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble , comparable to wholegrains.

Flax seeds contain vitamins B1, B2, C and E and carotene. Flax seed and oil also contains many minerals including zinc, iron and trace amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E.

The many health benefits of flax seeds can help the body in several ways:

• improving cardio vascular health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL)
• boosting the immune system
• aiding development of the brain
• increasing metabolic rate – useful in weight loss
• lessens the effects of diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels

Flax seeds have many beneficial antioxidant properties. They are perhaps the highest plant source of  lignans. Studies suggest these phytochemicals may have a positive effect in improving breast and prostate health .They also provide support for regulating female hormones, alleviating the symptoms of menopause and hot flushes.

Raw Organic Flax Seed Products

Flax Seed Oil

Raw organic flax seed oil is made by cold pressing. This means the oil is extracted from the seed without heating, thus preserving the nutritional benefits.  All cold pressed oils, including flax oils have a short shelf life ( a few weeks) and are very prone to oxidization unless stored in the right way. They are best kept in the refrigerator  away from sunlight.

Whole Flax Seeds

Flax seeds will keep much longer and can be kept for up to a year. Organic flax seed is more nutritious than flax seed oil, retaining all the dietary fibre. This high fibre content, however can produce a laxative effect.

Ground Flax Seed (Flax seed meal)

Flax meal is the powdered product of ground flax seeds. It is more subject to oxidization than the whole flax seeds and should be kept in the freezer. You can make your own flaxmeal by grinding whole flax seeds in a blender or coffee grinder for a few seconds.
   

Raw Food Flax Seed Recipes

For many years flax seed products have been used for their medicinal properties and as a health supplement.

However, flax seed is an incredibly versatile ingredient and raw foodists have embraced flax seeds in dishes such as raw flax crackers , as a topping for salads, as an ingredient for smoothies and even in raw food snack bars .

Flax seed oil can be used as a substitute for any other vegetable based oil, it’s delicate, nutty taste works well in salad dressings and many more raw food recipes.

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