The Power of the Flax
Why is flax in the superfoods category? Because it is super-charged with beneficial attributes! Like it's other friends in the superfoods category, flax is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber. It also aids in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
Flax contains lignans, which are phytochemicals that lower the risk of prostate and breast cancers.
It has both calcium and phosphorous, which are needed for the development of teeth and bones, as well as iron, an essential component of hemoglobin, which is utilized for oxygen transportation in the blood.
Flax can be found in either ground or seed form. Ground flax is typically the better option, as the pulverization processes allows the nutrients to be more bioavailable. The seed form is more difficult for your body to digest, and nutrients can pass through unabsorbed.
Flax can be sprinkled onto your cereal or yogurt or mixed into a smoothie. In the recipe below, I masked the flax in a caramelized onion dip and served it with baked beet chips.
Caramelized Onion Dip with Beet Chips
Beet Chips
- 4 medium beets
- 2 tsp canola
- Sea salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel beets and very thinly slice with a mandolin or knife. In a large bowl, toss beets with oil.
Arrange beets in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with a small amount of sea salt.
Bake until edges of beets begin to dry out, about 20 minutes. Rotate sheets and bake 10 to 20 minutes more, removing chips as they become crisp.
Caramelized Onion Dip
- 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, butter, or canola oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup fat free plain Greek or Icelandic yogurt
- 1 tbsp flax powder
Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, turmeric, salt, and pepper and sauté for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 more minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized. Allow the onions to cool.
In a food processor, combine onions and yogurt and blend until smooth. Fold in flax powder. Taste for seasonings and serve with beet chips.