How to Improve Your Digestion with Flax Seed

Bags of golden-brown flax seeds are filling up the shelves at health-food stores…but what’s this flax health craze all about? It turns out that flax seeds can benefit your digestive system. So if you have stomach issues, read on! Unsure how to incorporate flax seed into your diet? C

heck out the bottom of this post for some simple flax seed recipe ideas.

Flax seed nutrition

With their nutty, earthy taste, flax seeds are rich in flavour, but also rich in nutrients, including:

26% soluble and insoluble fiber (Soluble fiber aids nutrient absorption by dissolving in your stomach and delaying gastrointestinal transit-time…Insoluble fiber helps keep you regular…)
20% protein
35% oil, in the form of Essential Fatty Acids Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and Omega 6 (linoleic acid), plus Omega 9 (Oleic acid)
Mucilage (a viscous, gummy substance which also keeps you regular by having a lubricating effect on your stools)
Fat-soluble Vitamin E (to aid absorption of flax seed’s oil)
Lignin (a phytonutrient with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties)

Flax Seed Benefits

Alleviates the pain, discomfort and flatulence caused by constipation. Unlike refined, processed food, which clogs up your digestive system, the fiber and mucilage content of flax seeds softens and bulks up stools…This allows them to pass through your colon more easily.
May reduce your risk of colon cancer. A diet high in fiber and lignins has been linked to reduced rates of this disease.
Improves inflammatory digestive disorders: Omega 3 serves as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing the stomach-pain that comes with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Flax seed recipes

Note: If you’ve bought your flax seeds whole, it’s best to soak them overnight or grind them; this ensures optimum absorption, preventing the nutrients from going straight through you.

Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax with equal parts carob powder… Sprinkle on cereal or yogurt for a naturally-sweet, high-fiber topping.
For a breakfast spread with a bit more oomph, add soaked flax seed to some natural peanut butter or tahini for added crunchiness…If you have a sweet tooth, drizzle with raw honey and cinnamon.
Give your salad a flavour and texture-boost by topping it with ground flax…An added bonus is that flax’s Vitamin E content will help increase your absorption of the nutrient’s in your veggies.

So give flax seed a try and say goodbye to stomach pains.

What’s your favourite way to use flax: smoothie, salad, spread, sprinkle or crackers? Share with the Divas in the comments below.