background

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Flax Seed: The Low Carb Whole Grain

So - I've discovered a new favorite snack. Salted Corn Chips With Flax Seed from our local Amish Bulk Food Store:



They are delicious! I decided to do some reading about the benefits of flax seed in our diet. I had previously known that flax seeds are good for us...but had forgotten all the specifics.

Let me tell you - this tiny seed is mighty! I learned that it carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. And while it’s not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains, while the amount of fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids in flax leaves grains in the dust.

Additionally I learned that flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance -- many dieters have found that flax seed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied. WhooHoo! Something to help me with weight loss issues!

Flax seed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese - which is awesome, because when we are under stress we completely deplete our supply of B-complex vitamins in our body ...therefore ...flax seed can help out if I'm stressed! I am really liking these new corn chips with flax seed!!

AND...they are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acid! Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. Yes! Omega-3...here I come! Bring on more of those chips!

Flax Seed is also high in fiber. You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber -- both soluble and insoluble -- than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.

Flax Seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances that tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes. ...Don't even ask me about my peri-menopausal symptoms. This Flax Seed enriched Corn Chip can help with that??!! Whoa-baby! I'm heading back to the bulk store to buy some more!

And then I read this: Note that flax seeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available (otherwise they just “pass through”)

In case you missed it in the photo...my delicious, flax seed enriched, salty corn chips contain WHOLE flax seeds.

So... Nevermind.

2 comments:

Pat said...

Well grind up those flax seeds, make some corn chips and send them my way!
I want them ground...don't want them passing through..that would be a waste..LOL!

Trish said...

Those chips look yummy! What a disappointment to find out that flax seeds come out the way they go in...Such good information Deb.
You and Pat are funny.