People Eat Flax Seed?

Flax seeds are wonderful; I use them in all my heat therapy packs. They are composed of 30 -40% oil, and this gives them the ability to stay toasty warm for long periods of time. Grains like rice or wheat will dry out after just a few uses and lose their ability to hold heat, but flax seed will stay moist after repeated heatings. As you can see, flax seeds are perfect for heat therapy. But for breakfast?

Recently flax seeds have been getting a lot attention in the health community. So I took an afternoon and did a little research. Apparently the oil that is great from a therapy standpoint is even more amazing if ingested internally.

Ever heard of Omega-3's. Who hasn't, right? The all important fat that feeds your brain and heart is found in high quantities in each little flax seed. That's great news if you aren't a huge fan of fish! Flax seeds also contain more antioxidants and plant estrogen rich lignans than any other plant foods. About 75 - 800 times more. Need more fiber? Try 4 grams of fiber per two ground tablespoons. Pretty good stuff!

So how do you incorporate them into your everyday diet? The first step is grinding them, or buying them preground. Your body will absorb more of the nutritional benefits this way. Then you can start adding them to all sorts of dishes. Oatmeal, sauces, smoothies, and yogurt are all a popular choices.

What's my family's favorite way to flax seeds? Tucked into the foods they eat every day! I like to replace some of the flour in a traditional quick bread recipe. You will have a delectable flax rich treat...that tastes nothing like flax seeds. Here's my favorite recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Oatmeal Raisin Muffins

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 cup quick cooking oatmeal

1/4 cup flax seeds

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup milk

1/3 cup applesauce

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 vegetable oil

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup raisins

Blend the oatmeal and flax seeds in a food processor until coarsely ground. Blend in baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and flour.

In a separate bowl blend milk, applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, oil, and brown sugar. Mix with dry ingredients until just blended. Add in raisins.

Pour batter into muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees for 23 - 27 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes approx. 12 muffins.