Ground flaxseed uses, including acting as a wheat substitute in bread, are varied. The small roundish seeds of the flax plant are often crushed and pressed to produce flaxseed oil, which contains both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The hull of the seed, however, is the portion that is used as flax meal, substituting for other types of flour in cooking.
Flax Seed Nutrition Information
Flax offers many health benefits, due to the various components of the flax seed. The hull of the seed is a source of soluble fiber, which improves digestion. The oil contained within the seed provide Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. The American Cancer Society even suggests that flax consumption may benefit in the prevention of various types of cancer.
Ground Flaxseed Provides Vital Nutrients
According to the nutrition profile produced by NutritionData.com, flax seeds contain many nutrients that are part of the recommended daily allowance for health, such as vitamin B-6. In addition, one tablespoon of ground flax seeds contains 2% of the recommended daily allowance of folate. Folate, also known as folic acid, is a valuable nutrient for women who are pregnant, or who plan to become pregnant. Flax seeds also contains various necessary minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, and manganese.
Grinding Golden Flax Seeds For Maximum Health Benefits
Flax seeds are extremely small, hard, and difficult to break open by chewing. In order to benefit from the many healthy nutrients within the flax seed, grinding is necessary. A coffee grinder easily grinds a few tablespoons of golden flax seeds, enough for a daily serving or a ground flaxseed muffin. Ground flaxseed should be refrigerated, in order to prevent the oil from becoming rancid.
Ground Flaxseed for Diabetics
Most diabetics are forced to limit carbohydrate consumption, in order to avoid blood sugar increases. Flax meal, which is made from ground flaxseeds, has an extremely low glycemic impact, due to the high fiber content. Substituting ground flaxseed for other types of flour creates bread products that do not result in higher blood sugar levels for a diabetic.
Cooking With Ground Flax Seed Meal
Ground flaxseeds behave slightly differently in foods than other grain flours, due to the high high oil content of freshly ground flax meal. The presence of flax oil in the meal also eliminates the necessity for adding any butter, oil, or other ingredients typical to breads. Different brands of flax seeds result in different flavors, textures, and even colors when cooked.
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