Flax seeds are well known for their wide array of health benefits. High in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants, these tiny little seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. Getting them into your diet on a regular basis, however, may prove to be a bit challenging. The 5 recipes below are a great way to incorporate flax seeds into your diet and get all the benefits that they offer.
1. Strawberry Flax Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to get nutritious foods in, because you can just throw them all together and blend. This smoothie by Real Simple does just that by combining flax seeds, strawberries and orange juice, which are high in vitamin C, and yogurt for a good dose of probiotics.
2. Pumpkin Flax Waffles
A universally beloved breakfast food, waffles are a morning favorite for many. This pumpkin flax recipe from NomEatNom puts a healthy twist on the common waffle, by adding flax seed, sweetening with date sugar, and using pumpkin puree as a binder. It’s bright orange color means that pumpkin is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals, specifically beta-carotene. It is also good for digestion and disease prevention.
3. Quick and Easy Flax Seed Granola
This super simple granola by Feed Me Seymour is brimming with nutrition. Flax seeds and walnuts team up to provide ample omega-3’s, apple sauce adds to the fiber content, honey gives the immune system a lift, and the rolled oats provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. This granola is easy, delicious, and healthy! Win, win, win!
4. Flax Crackers
Most people don’t think about the possibility of making their own crackers, but they might, if they knew just how simple it really is! Clean Green Simple’s flax crackers have only 5 ingredients, with flax being the star. They are low in carbs and high in essential fatty acids and fiber, making them a great choice for healthy snacking!
5. Zucchini and Feta Fritters
These zucchini feta fritters are reminiscent of salmon patties, without the salmon of course. All Day I Dream About Food uses ground flax seed and coconut flour as binders to create a crispy, savory fritter that will accompany just about any main dish. Zucchini is a good source of antioxidants, flavonoids, and folate.
6. Whole Wheat Flax Bread
There’s nothing quite like a slice of freshly baked bread right out of the oven. And baking your own bread at home preserves more of the nutrients in the grains, making it healthier for you and your family. This whole-wheat flax bread from The Idle Loaf is no exception. With an entire cup of ground flax seed, the omega-3 and fiber content of this bread is incredible! And the flax seed keeps it nice and moist.
7. Apple Oatmeal Flax Cookies
Adding flax seeds to deserts ups the nutritional value and makes them chewy and moist! With apples, flax seeds, whole-wheat flour, oats and walnuts, the fiber and healthy fat content of these cookies by Fit Sugar is amazing! But you may forget that they are healthy when you taste them!
8. No Bake Carrot Cake Granola Bites
Any time you can get vegetables AND flax seeds into a sweet treat, you know you’ve got a real winner! Cookbook Recipes does a fabulous job of combining good for you ingredients into a delectable desert! These carrot cake granola bites are not only simple to make, but delightfully delicious. With carrots that are high in beta-carotene, oats high in fiber, and almond butter and pecans that boost the protein and good fat content, these are sure to please in both taste and nutrition.