The first time, I heard about flax seeds I confused i with horse gram. I have come across the word 'linseed' before, but I never knew they were talking about flax seeds. The list of superfoods gives a place to highly nutrient flax seeds, which are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, increasing good cholesterol and high in antioxidants. I was exposed to flax seeds by my friend Rekha, who is very health conscious and shares her gyan (knowledge) to me whenever I trouble her with intriguing questions.

Flax seeds are high in fibre which will provide good digestion and also keeps intestinal tract in good shape. The presence of Omega 3 fatty acids plays an important role in taking care of dryness when included in your diet. People, who are sensitive to gluten (Celiac disease) can consume flax seeds as they are gluten free.

How to use flax seeds-:

Make sure you always roast flax seeds, following which it can be used in crushed as well as powdered form in your dietary requirements.

Always keep it in air-tight container and store it in refrigerator. It can be used in various foods like soup, lentil dishes and you can have it with smoothies and milk as well.

It can be used in crushed form in Indian rotis by mixing 1 tbsp to 250 gms of wheat flour while kneading the dough. It can be used in baking while making cup cakes, breads and muffins.

Caution:

Drinking higher quantities of water is required when flax seeds are consumed. Always have flax seeds in small amounts, as intake of higher amounts can be toxic to your body.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid flax seeds during the first trimester as they contain phytoestrogen in high amounts. Even though it is considered beneficial, consumption in moderate amounts is advised.