My NEW Flax Seed "Habit" has become a treat!: Flax Seed Pudding

Good Day to You All!

It's been awhile since my last post. I have been sorting through my life and being grateful for this new place where I have landed- a place of wide openness - of fields and farmlands, horses, cows, chickens, sheep & goats! It is a joyful place for my soul.

Always buy Flax Seeds in sealed packages.
They become rancid very quickly.
I store mine sealed in the freezer..
 

I have been pondering the best way to eat Ground Flax Seeds. They are packed with nutrition.

Health benefits of Flax Seed

• As in other oil seeds, flax too is one of the very high-calorie foods. 100 g (a little less than 1/2 cup) of seeds contain 534 calories. The seeds are an excellent source of numerous health-benefiting nutrients, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
  
• Flax seed is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. It is also one of the top vegetable sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic acids. Regular intake of small portions of flax seeds in the diet helps to lower total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increases HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
  
• Flax seeds are perhaps one of the most widely available botanical sources of n−3 or ω (omega)-3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil consists of approximately 55% ALA (α-linolenic acid). One spoonful of flax seed oil provides about 8 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Research studies have suggested that n-3 fatty acids by their virtue of anti-inflammatory action help lower the risk of blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes and breast, colon and prostate cancers. Adequate quantities of n-3 oils are required for normal infant development and maturation of nervous system.
  
• The seeds contain lignans, a class of phytoestrogens considered to have antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.
  
• Flax are an excellent source of vitamin E, especially rich in gamma-tocopherol; containing about 20 g (133% of daily-recommended values) per 100 g. vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
  
• The seeds are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. Thiamin is an essential co-factor for carbohydrate metabolism and helps prevent beri-beri disease. Folates help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus when consumed during pre-conception period and pregnancy.
  
• Furthermore, flax seed is rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.
  
• Flax or linseed oil has flavorful nutty aroma and has been used in cooking, and as “carrier" or "base oil” in traditional medicines and in pharmaceutical uses.
  
  See More at: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/flax-seed.html
  

Flax becomes glutinous (sticky) when added to a liquid. This is great if you need something to gel ingredients together for dehydrated crackers, and not so great for smoothies (in my opinion : ) I tried grinding them and just chugging it down followed by water - not a great way as it sticks to your teeth... hmmm... so I decided to use its natural properties to make a fruit pudding.

Experiment a bit with quantities as some fruits have more liquid than others. My first experiment was with pears and cinnamon. It was excellent. This time I tried Organic Frozen Blueberries. It's a hit with me.

Flax Seed Pudding

2 C Organic Frozen Blueberries
3 Tbsp of Organic ground Flax Seeds
2 Tsp of Organic Coconut Oil
 
Add about 2 cups of frozen blueberries to your blender and process till it is pretty fine. Add to a small pot, add coconut oil and slowly heat just until the oil has melted. Add the ground Flax Seeds, and about 6 drops of liquid Stevia ( or equivalent), stir till blended.

Pour equally into three bowls, lightly cover (with plastic Wrap, or saucers) and put into refrigerator to set up. I ate some later that day, but the next day it was fully gelled. Add to the top whatsoever you desire : ) I added flaked coconut, pecans, a dusting of organic cacao and drizzled agave on top.

So my flax seed "habit" has become a treat!

My daily requirement of Flax Seeds = 1 tablespoon per day. Add more or less flax as you develop preferences in texture. Coconut Oil aids in weight loss and has so many health benefits. I found this link - 101 uses for Coconut Oil. Check it out!

http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

Have a most excellent and Healthfilled Year!
Resplendence Happens -