Flaxseed is one of the oldest crops in the world. There are two types, brown and golden, both of which are equally nutritious. Just one serving provides a good amount of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, along with several important vitamins and minerals. Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet, but why?

In fact, flaxseed has been used as a means of solving a number of problems since the beginning of civilization. As one of the oldest crops, it was originally used as a fiber for clothing. But the role of flaxseed in history does not stop at clothing. Studies show that the cultivation of flax for medicinal purposes became a common practice in the Mediterranean region around 4000-2000 BC, while some claim that its use dates back to the Neolithic era.

It is said that in the eighth century, King Carl V believed so strongly in the health benefits of the seeds that he brought and passed a law according to which his subordinates must consume it daily.

Some sources even claim that the ancient Egyptians carried flaxseed in their healing bags, and that Hippocrates mentioned flaxseed as an excellent remedy for digestive problems in his writings.

Today, flaxseed can be found in a variety of foods, from biscuits to oatmeal. And not only has consumer demand for flaxseed increased significantly, but its use in agriculture has also risen significantly.

In fact, it is used to feed all chickens that lay eggs with higher levels of omega-3

Flaxseed is also great for women's health. Regular consumption can help relieve menopausal symptoms and deal with irregular periods and menstrual discomfort. A study of menopausal women, published in 2007, reported that taking 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with cereals, juice or yogurt twice a day helps to reduce hot flashes by half. The intensity of the heat waves also decreased by 57%. Women noticed an effect after taking flaxseed daily for only one week, and found the maximum benefit within two weeks.

In Ayurveda, one of the most ancient medical systems, which is still practiced today, flaxseed is used to improve the strength and shine of skin and hair.

Because they have a brown hard shell when consumed whole, flaxseed is more likely to pass through the intestinal tract undigested, which means that the body does not receive all the healthy ingredients. This is also the reason why many people soak them before consuming them or simply using a finely ground or powdered form.

Buy it ground or grind it yourself - for this purpose, you can use a coffee grinder or food processor. Powdered, flaxseed provides many opportunities to include in the daily menu. There are many ways and recipes with which we can enjoy flaxseed. Add it to the food you usually eat. Whenever you have foods such as oatmeal, shakes, soup or yogurt, you can add a few tea spoons of ground flaxseed to them. This will soon become a habit.

Add to coconut or almond milk.

This can be an excellent breakfast, which is a rich source of energy and, at the same time, low in carbohydrates. The recipe is also suitable for vegans.

Add to salads.

Flaxseed can be a great addition to a healthy and refreshing mushroom salad and fresh spinach. Mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D, which increases calcium absorption and bone strength, and vitamin K in spinach and flaxseed complement the health benefits of this easy-to-prepare and truly delicious salad.

Here's a simple smoothie recipe:

- 2 tablespoons flaxseed

- 1 cup flavored soy milk

- 1 cup chilled and coarsely chopped strawberries 1/2 cup chilled and coarsely chopped bananas

- 2 teaspoons honey

- 2 whole strawberries and 2 banana slices for garnish.

Add sliced ​​strawberries and bananas, flax seeds and honey to the soy milk. Pour into a shaker jug ​​or juicer and beat to obtain a smooth and frothy mixture. Divide into 2 separate cups and garnish with strawberries and bananas.

And don't forget - flaxseed is not a magic cure! Despite its many potential health benefits, do not take flaxseed as a magical food or nutrient to ensure improved health and healing properties.

It is simply important that flaxseed becomes part of your diet as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

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A.A.

Stob, Bulgaria