What do you think about flax? If you’re like I was, you probably just lump it into that category of “healthy- just like a bunch of other things I’m not eating”. But then the truth was revealed to me! (Cue dramatic music). Flax is healthy, but it stands head and shoulders above many of the other health food store items because there is actual unbiased science behind it.
According to my favorite, unbiased site for nutrition info (nutritionfacts.org) it can:
1. Help prevent breast cancer (cancer is a #1 killer in women in many age groups)
2. Help prevent prostate cancer (also a top killer for men)
3. Help with your skin by improving its barrier
Additionally… (according to the site)”flax seeds the richest source of lignans [protect against cancer] , they are a great source of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium, folate, soluble fiber—which can lower our cholesterol and triglycerides—even boron, a trace mineral important for optimum bone health.”
Flax is so easy to add to your daily diet. It’s important that you add it ground however… the full seed will just pass right through you undigested.
Here’s one tasty recipe that I absolutely love… it’s easy to do and tastes quite “gourmet”.
Flax Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce and Cashew Cream
Ingredients:
3-5 Tbs ground flax
1 cup whole wheat flour
pinch of salt
1 Tbs baking powder
2 Tbs sugar
1 cup non dairy milk
4 Tbs melted vegan butter or light olive oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup water
1 tsp corn starch
1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
2-3 packets of stevia and/or 2 tsp maple syrup
Sweet Cashew Cream (recipe here)
To make the pancakes, first take 1 Tbs of flax and mix it with 2 Tbs warm water in a small bowl (this is a “flax egg”) Set aside. Next, mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Combine the wet ingredients and with the flax egg, add it all into the dry ingredient bowl and mix until just mixed. Cook pancakes on a griddle, cooking until golden brown on each side.
Meanwhile, make the blueberry sauce… mix the cornstarch with a few tsp of water to make a slurry. Set aside. Microwave blueberries, water, stevia/syrup and almond extract for about 2 min on high. Stir in cornstarch slurry and microwave another minute or so until thickened.
Assemble… pancakes, sauce and then cashew cream. Enjoy!
And if you’re curious how I keep a tiny RV kitchen clean while cooking… I don’t 🙂
Spark Love and Wellness 