Powerhouse Plant: Flax

Flax is a trendy ingredient in many health-forward recipes, and you may not even know it. It’s a seed that doesn’t get a whole lot of airtime but is actually one of our oldest crops out there. Its Latin name, Linum usitatissimum translates as “very useful.” The entire flaxseed plant is made to good use! The stem produces linseed, creating fibers that can be made into linen cloth and paper. Linseed oil can also be used as a natural form of protectant and wood finish. In most recent decades, our society has been more focused on the health benefits of the plant as opposed to the fabrication advantages.

Flaxseeds include three main bioactive compounds; lignans, fiber, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

• Lignans, which work as both a phytoestrogen (a naturally occurring compound found in plants) and an antioxidant, have been reported to contain powerful disease-fighting properties. Lignans have been known to show a reduction of growth in hormone-sensitive cancer tumors such as the prostate, breast, and endometrium. Phytoestrogens, unlike the common “estrogen”, have weak estrogen movement within the bodies of both humans and animals. However, it’s actually a pretty incredible compound that is capable of providing a strong barrier against excess “bad” estrogen from entering our systems. There are 800 times more lignans in flax than in other plants.

• Fiber, or the “roughage”, is the plant-based carbohydrate that is usually found in the skins, seeds, and stems of plants. Most Americans are lacking fiber in their diets. Flax fiber, a biodegradable, natural composite contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. This insoluble fiber helps to prevent constipation and soluble fiber helps in lowering cholesterol while maintaining one’s blood glucose levels.

• Flaxseed is a rich, plant-based source of ALA, a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid. Just adding 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed a day to your diet will supply your body with its daily dose of immune-enhancing omega-3s. Essential in proper brain and nerve functioning, this nutrient is known to reduce neurological disorders. It can assist in the prevention and treatment of heart disease as well as reduce osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.

How to Work Ground Flax into Your Diet

• Flax egg - Flax eggs work as a great plant-based binding agent for lots of baked goods recipes. Ex: 1 T. of ground flaxseeds per 3 T. of water, stirred, and thickened in a small bowl for about 5 minutes substitutes the properties of eggs in baking. Note - each recipe can vary in calculations.

• Dress up your morning yogurt - this provides a nice, easy-to-digest neutral-nutty flavor. Getting lots of whole plant-derived fiber in your diet is a great way to start the day and stay regular.

• Hide this noted nutrient in your smoothies or acai bowls - a seamless way to sneak your nutrients in without even noticing!

• Spruce up your oatmeal or cereals

• Thicken up your sauces or salad dressings

You can find this powerhouse plant on the market in its whole seed form, ground, as a partially defatted meal, milk, or in flaxseed oil. Here at P.S. and Co., we grind our organic flax seeds in-house for the freshest quality. When ground, the body is able to fully absorb the nutrients. When whole, the seeds tend to flush through our system.

Where to Find Flax on our Menu

• Organic Plain, Everything, and Sesame Oat Flax Bagel options

• Organic Protein Chocolate Chip Muffin with Cashew Butter

• Organic Protein-Packed Berry Cashew Butter Muffin

• Organic Sweet + Savory Scones

• Organic Black Bean Brownie

• Organic Buckwheat Brookie

• Organic Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Organic Tiramisu and Tiramasmoothie

• Organic Berry Jam Thumbprint Cookie

• Organic Cakes and Cupcakes

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6567199/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152533/ \https://nutritionstudies.org/prostate-cancer/