Flaxseed
22 productsFlaxseed is also known as common flax or linseed. It is a flowering plant and one of the oldest cultivated crops.
While flaxseed has been around since 3000 BC, it is still relatively unknown as a food staple.
But with a wealth of health benefits, flaxseed is quickly gaining in popularity and making its way into a range of healthy, balanced diets.
Where does flaxseed come from?
Flaxseed comes from the flowering flax plant (Linum usitatissimum).
It was first grown in Egypt, but today, it is found all over the world.
Flaxseed is available in brown or yellow, with the latter being known as golden linseeds.
Holland & Barrett Golden Linseed is one such yellow variety that is a source of protein and high in fibre.
Or if you would prefer to go organic, we’ve got that covered with our Organic Golden Linseed.
Both are equally as nutritious and have a nutty, slightly earthy taste that you are sure to love.
What are the best flaxseed uses?
You can find flaxseed in a range of pre-made foods, including crackers and oatmeal.
Many people add a teaspoon of flaxseed to their cereal for a healthy start to their day.
Flaxseed can also be spooned into mayonnaise, yoghurts, cookie dough and other baking mixes to add a nutritional boost to your favourite everyday foods.
Adding Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal to your smoothies and cereals adds a deliciously nutty flavour.
You can also sprinkle it on salads or use it as a substitute for breadcrumbs!
The Bob’s range also includes its Golden Flaxseed Meal and Organic Golden Flaxseed.
Is flaxseed good for you?
Because of the many benefits of flaxseed, it is known as a ‘superfood.’
Flax seeds are packed with nutrients. A standard 7g tablespoon serving contains excellent amounts of protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.
Holland & Barrett Milled Flax Seeds has over 2g of fibre per tablespoon.
Fibre helps maintain and support normal digestive. That is why it is such an important addition to any diet.
Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Biocultures and Vitamin D is a rich source of vitamin D and omega-3.
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, maintaining normal bones and teeth.
Adding flaxseed to your diet in the winter months can supplements your body’s vitamin D levels when there is a lack of sunshine.
Flax seeds are also richer in lignans than any other food.
Lignans are chemical compounds found in plants, seeds, vegetables and whole grains.
Is flaxseed gluten free?
The good news is flaxseed is naturally gluten free, making it a healthy addition to a free-from diet.
However, always check the label before purchasing in case of cross-contamination.
Our gluten free flaxseed range means there are plenty of varieties for you to enjoy.
This includes Linwoods Milled Organic Flaxseed.
Not only is it high in Omega-3, but it is a great source of fibre and protein.
Linwoods Milled Flaxseed and Goji Berries is another gluten free favourite, as it comes with the fruity deliciousness of goji berries.
It also contains the antioxidant zinc, which helps protect against the effects of oxidative stress.
Flax seeds benefits for hair
Flaxseed contains vitamin E, which helps to improve and maintain skin and hair.
Vitamin E removes free radical damage from the scalp, giving hair a healthy base to grow from.
It can also help improve scalp circulation, encouraging hair growth.
Not only that, but vitamin E locks in moisture by creating a protective barrier over the scalp’s surface. This can help moisturise the scalp and prevent dry skin.
If you are suffering from an itchy scalp or have trouble keeping it healthy, try adding flaxseed as part of your healthy, balanced diet to see if it improves the hair and skin’s conditions.
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You won’t believe how many nutritional benefits can be packed into these tiny seeds!
Chia seeds are rich in fibre
Chia seeds are rich in fibre, which helps to support your digestive system and normal bowel function, whilst helping to prevent constipation.
Fibre also helps you to feel fuller for longer, so an added sprinkle of black chia seeds can keep hunger at bay and help reduce the temptation to snack in between meals.
Chia seeds are protein rich
Chia seeds are also packed with protein, which our bodies need for normal muscle growth and recovery. This is especially important if you live an active lifestyle and do a lot of exercise.
Protein contributes to the maintenance of both muscle mass and normal bones.
Chia seeds contain 9 amino acids
Chia seeds also contain all nine amino acids: organic compounds which are often referred to as the building blocks of protein. Our bodies don’t produce these amino acids naturally and so we need to get them through our diets.
Chia seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids
They contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are important for the body’s functions, including maintaining your blood pressure.
Chia seeds are rich in calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium
Chia seeds are rich in calcium, which can help build and maintain strong bones; zinc which helps support your immune system; iron which is contributes towards the normal creation of haemoglobin in the blood, and magnesium which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Wow - these really are super seeds!
It is really easy to add organic chia seeds into your diet as they can be included as an ingredient in a wide range of meals and even used when baking.
You can eat whole chia seeds or ground chia seeds and there are the same nutritional benefits in both products. It’s up to you which way you prefer to eat them!
For breakfast, you can sprinkle some chia seeds onto your usual cereal, porridge oats or yogurt, or add them to a smoothie to get your day started off in the right way.
In liquids or wet foods, they will soak up some of this, but they will still retain some crunch for a bit of added texture.
For lunch or dinner, pop a few chia seeds into soup or use as a salad topping.
Natural Milled Chia Seeds are milled to a fine powder and so you can easily mix these into drinks like smoothies with no fuss. They can also be used in baking as an extra ingredient for making cakes or brownies with some added protein.
If you have a sweet tooth, then why not try Mindfuel’s Chia Pudding Mix? This plant based pudding is an indulgent sweet treat which is packed full of nutrients. It’s also really simple to make. Just mix in nut drink or water and your pudding will be ready in minutes. It comes in a variety of flavours including dark chocolate; tart raspberry; matcha latte and banana cream pie.
Chia seeds have a long shelf life and you only need a small amount each day (one or two tablespoons of seeds, maximum) to reap the benefits, and so one pack can last a long time.
Chia seeds are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans as they are a completely natural, plant-based food.
In fact, they can be very beneficial to include in a vegan or vegetarian diet as they contain lots of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, commonly acquired through meat or fish, which might otherwise be missing in a more restrictive diet.
As well as being suitable for vegetarians and vegans, chia seeds are also able to be eaten on a gluten free diet.