February 5, 2009

HEALTHY LIVING SERIES-TOP 20 SUPERFOODS

Being a dietician/nutritionist myself, I find a lot of people asking me that which are the healthiest foods to consume? This has prompted me to start a series on superfoods in which I would be writing about, the health benefits as well as the best way of consuming these foods.A lot of my research is linked to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda.

The first in this series is FLAXSEEDS

STARPOWER- Flaxseeds can be considered as nature’s gift to health as it is loaded with vitamins and phytonutrients along with being an excellent source of protein and fiber. In addition it contains the immune enhancing omega-3 fatty acids similiar to those found in fish such as Salmon, and is the best VEGAN source for the same. By providing improved immune system, it helps in protecting autoimmune and inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and lupus.Benefits of flaxseeds as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood sugar It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack.

Consuming flaxseed can be a boon for women as it helps in preventing and treating breast cancer along with reducing problems and symptoms associated with PMS, PCOD and menopause.I have personally experienced this, as I used to suffer from terrible PMS but after a month of consuming flaxseed, I found that my condition had really improved.

Along with providing numerous physical benefits, flaxseeds are also associated with emotional health as they help in the effective tackling of depression and even Alzheimer’s disease. According to a research, adding flaxseed to your diet can help you manage your weight, in addition, application of flaxseed oil can aid in the faster healing of sprains and bruises.

Method of consumption-Dry roast lightly before consuming these, do not consume more that a teaspoon per day.I love to sprinkle these on salads as they have a great nutty flavor also on subzis, dals, on yogurt or grind them and combine in my chapati dough, they are so inexpensive that you would be surprised (a packet costs just Rs.10/-)!!!, if you still have reservations then a fun and easy way to get the numerous health benefits of these is through this delicious burfi....

FLAXSEED BURFI

The recipe is exactly the same as for Fresh turmeric burfi, just substitute the fresh turmeric with about 1 tbsp. of fresh roasted and finely ground flaxseeds, enjoy a piece of health everyday!

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4 comments:

  1. I like Quinoa, one of those foods. I see Flax seeds at the store, never bought it. When I had LASIK surgery last year, my eye doc suggested that I should eat Flax seeds, so my eyes won't dry out quickly. I never did! :P

    I know! Stupid me!

    Burfi looks good. Enjoy. I sent you my Heart cake, hope you got it. I haven't checked my mail yet! :)

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  2. very informative. thx for letting us know the benefits of flax seeds.

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  3. I'm glad I found your blog.I use flaxseed a lot,its does go in my roti dough very often and baking too:)

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  4. I use flaxseed a lot ,mostly in roti and for baking.

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Hi, This is Bindiya and I would love to hear your views on this post. Feel free to ask any questions or share your views with me.