Not your grandfather's linseed

Flax seed ... a tiny unassuming little seed.I recently added flax seed to my diet incorporating it into my oatmeal and yogurt. While I am not certain that it is responsible, ever since this change my blood glucose numbers are the best they have ever been. coincidence? Perhaps.The addition has been simple and cheap. I am buying whole seeds for $1.69 a pound at Sprouts Farmers Market and I bought an inexpensive coffee grinder on Amazon to turn those seeds into meal.  You could use the coffee grinder you are already using, just not sure you want your flax meal tasting like coffee (or vice versa).KRUPS 203-42 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades, Black

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (about 1/2 ounce) on the yogurt or oatmeal and enjoy all the nutritional benefits of these powerhouse little seeds. I try and eat 1 oz. every day.
Word of warning ... if you add flax seed (meal) to your diet be sure you drink plenty of water!

"Flax seed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, but this little seed is just getting started. There are three additional nutrient groups which flax seed has in abundance, and each has many benefits.

Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.  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. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in oils such as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help. 

Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 that is a precursor to the fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty cold-water fish (called EPA and DHA). Because not everyone is able to easily convert ALA into EPA and (especially) DHA, it is best not to rely solely on flax for your Omega-3 intake. However, ALA also has good effects of its own, and definitely helps in the Omega 3/6 balance. 

Flax Seed is 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. "

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Did you know ...

The words line, linen, lingerie, lining and linoleum all are derived from the Latin word for flax? (linum) 

Fragments of flax straw, seeds and fiber have been found and dated back to 8,000 BC?

Dyed flax fibers have been found that  are believed to be 30,000 years old?