
What’s a quiet power that shapes our well-being? Spoiler alert: it’s residence to trillions of microorganisms, has its personal nervous system, and produces roughly 90% of the physique’s serotonin. Should you guessed the intestine, you’re spot on. Our digestive system performs a serious position in all the things from nutrient absorption to psychological stability. Hi there, gut-brain axis. All of that to say, is your food regimen serving to or hindering your digestive well being? With ultra-processed foods at our fingertips, it’s straightforward to tip into the latter. With that in thoughts, we’re highlighting a flexible seed that may remodel your intestine (and your poos, for that matter!). Within the spirit of higher bowel actions, listed here are 15 flaxseed recipes to spice up your well being.
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
What are flaxseeds?
Small in measurement—however colossal in well being advantages—flaxseeds are nature’s tiny powerhouses. As their title suggests, these oval-shaped seeds come from the flax plant. Regardless of current recognition within the wellness world, flaxseeds aren’t new information. These tiny seeds are centuries-old. A wonderful supply of wholesome omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytochemicals, you possibly can get pleasure from these nutty-tasting seeds in limitless methods. Complete, floor, or cold-pressed within the type of flaxseed oil, you possibly can add flax to varied dishes and recipes to reinforce their dietary worth.
Floor Flax vs. Complete
Should you’ve ever shopped for flaxseeds, you’ve possible come throughout entire and floor flax. Finally, each are nutritious. Nevertheless, one sort takes the cake. Floor flax, child. With regards to entire flaxseeds, they’re pretty tough to crack (even with cautious chewing). As such, if flaxseeds move by your digestive tract unbroken, your physique doesn’t obtain the full dietary advantages. That mentioned, the method of grinding—in a blender, espresso grinder, or meals processor—breaks up the seed, making it simpler on your physique to digest. On the finish of the day, floor flaxseed supplies extra dietary advantages. Wish to grind your flaxseeds at residence? We now have a tutorial for you!
Flaxseed Storing Tips
Properly storing flaxseeds is essential to maintaining their freshness and nutritional value. Light and heat are not their friends! Therefore, it’s best to keep flaxseeds in an airtight container—such as a glass jar—in your fridge. When possible, buy whole flaxseeds (they have a longer shelf life) and grind your flaxseeds at home. Simply grind your flaxseeds as needed, ideally as part of your weekly meal prep. In turn, this prevents the seeds from going rancid.

Flaxseeds For Gut Health: What You Need To Know
When it comes to gut health, flaxseeds pack a punch. Loaded with dietary fiber (almost six grams for two tablespoons!), flaxseeds can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation, keeping your digestive system functioning smoothly. Additionally, their high fiber content acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for the bacteria in your gut. Furthermore, flaxseeds contain lignans, which have antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. These compounds may assist stability hormones! Improve digestion, help a various microbial neighborhood, and foster a more healthy intestine setting with these tiny however mighty seeds.
15 Flaxseed Recipes for Intestine-Pleasant Goodness
Undecided how one can incorporate flaxseed into your every day food regimen? We now have you lined. From oatmeal and smoothies to salads and power bites, a touch of flax does the physique good. Most of those recipes are gluten-free and vegan, too!
Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Merely swap the tablespoon of chia seeds for floor flax. Pair with a relaxing glass of non-dairy milk and thank us later.
Oatmeal Quinoa Energy Bowl
Together with fruit and nuts, high your bowl with a spoonful of flax for added fiber. Your weekday breakfast simply acquired a easy (but efficient) improve.
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Muffins
Whereas fall remains to be months away, these pumpkin muffins at all times hit the spot. Made with out eggs—and with floor flax as a substitute—these are excellent for these with allergy symptoms or meals preferences. Children love them as nicely!
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Brownies
Maintaining with a candy theme, these brownies are to die for. You want them in your life. Sure, want. They’re fudgy and decadent, but made with healthful substances. Want we are saying extra?
Cookies and Cream Smoothie
Segueing into smoothies, they’re the proper automobile for a tablespoon or two of flax. You possibly can add your seeds, entire, because the blender will grind them up for optimum absorption. Should you’re not satisfied, know this: it’s Jennifer Garner-approved.
Tropical Turmeric Smoothie
A household favourite! This smoothie is loaded with energizing fruit, antioxidants, and probiotics. Summer season by no means tasted so refreshing.
Get Figgy With It Smoothie
With a kick from contemporary ginger and the pure sweetness of Black Mission figs, you’ll need to add this smoothie to your lunch rotation—stat. It’s creamy, earthy, and bursting with taste.
Wholesome Inexperienced Smoothie
Easy but efficient, you most likely have already got most of those substances at residence! Add a tablespoon of flax for an additional dose of wholesome fat and fiber.
Inexperienced Goddess Pasta Salad
With substances like tahini, dietary yeast, and honey, this pasta salad is a taste explosion—in the easiest way attainable. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of floor flax on high of your plate, and et voilà, you’ve added a couple of extra grams of fiber to your meal.
Inexperienced Fruit Salad with Ricotta and Herbs
In some ways, each salad is a chance so as to add a touch of floor flax on high. And this salad with fruit isn’t any exception. Add a couple of teaspoons of flax to the ricotta dip—nobody will discover!
Chai Spice Buckwheat Granola
With out altering the consistency or texture, add one tablespoon of floor flax to this healthful, distinctive granola recipe. For an extra enhance of fiber, sprinkle one other few teaspoons on high of your bowl.
Pumpkin In a single day Oats
The make-ahead breakfast that’s excellent for busy mornings. Creamy, completely spiced, and barely candy, you’ll by no means realize it’s loaded with fiber and wholesome fat. Add an extra two teaspoons of flax to the recipe.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Toast
A match made in heaven, peanut butter and banana are a timeless basic. Amp up the diet profile with a touch of flax on high.
Banana Cashew Baked Oatmeal
Talking of bananas, for those who haven’t tried this banana cashew baked oatmeal, right here’s your light nudge. Made with nourishing substances—like flaxseed, coconut oil, and cashews—a bowl of those baked oats will preserve you full all morning.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl
We could also be biased, however that is the most scrumptious and satisfying noon meal. Fiber-rich grains meet protein and veggies—topped with a lemon-yogurt dressing, it’s all the things and extra. Drizzle the highest with flaxseed oil and also you’re good to go.