Flax seed is considered one of the top nine most powerful medicinal plants backed by science (chamomile is No. 1).
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a flowering plant with beautiful purple flowers cultivated in cooler climates for both its fiber and nutritious seeds (also available as an oil).
For centuries, people have turned to flax seeds for their health-protective properties. Today, scientific research is verifying many of these health claims. For starters, flax seeds are loaded with nutrients. In fact, just one tablespoon provides a rich source of vitamins and minerals, good amount of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Interestingly, flax seeds are one of a handful of plant-based sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful proven health benefits for your body and brain, such as fighting inflammation, improving mood and eye health, fighting inflammation, slowing down age-related mental decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and improving risk factors for heart disease.
Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids also combat autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.
Flax seed’s omega-3s have also been shown to reduce fat in your liver. Although not well known, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased with the obesity epidemic to become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world.
Loaded with fiber and nutrients, this flax seed smoothie recipe is a very healthful way to start your day – or mid-day! It can be made with just about any kind of fruit.
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PREP TIME 5 minutes
COOK TIME 0 minutes
TOTAL TIME 5 minutes
SERVINGS 1
INGREDIENTS
- cup water
- large frozen banana
- cup frozen mango
- tablespoons ground flax seed
- heaping cup fresh baby spinach (1 huge handful)
- cup orange juice (optional; but so good)
- inch fresh ginger, peeled (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step One
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. (Note: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, blend the water and spinach first to help break down the greens, then add in the rest of the ingredients and blend again.)
Step Two
https://297d1010ef9caa84dd36bdd8bf8c24b9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html Serve right away for the best taste and texture. Leftover smoothie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the flavor will change as it sits.
NUTRITION
Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 1002mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 2090IU | Vitamin C: 103mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg
(Source: Megan Gilmore detoxinista.com)
