Continued from Fall Into Health With These 5 Superfoods

Flax seed is a home-grown Canadian seed densely packed with goodness. Chewed well or ground, flax is one of the best foods to support healthy detoxification by keeping your bowels regular and binding toxins so they can’t be reabsorbed into your body through your digestive tract. Think of it as nature’s Metamucil. They also supply a medicinal dose of phytoestrogens, plant compounds that naturally combat excess amounts of estrogen and estrogen-like chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors. Flax seeds also contain high amounts of omega-3 oils which are beneficial for your cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation in your body.

Use cold-pressed flax seed oil in salad dressings or drizzled over cooked whole grains like quinoa. Start with 1-2 tsp ground flax seed daily for kids over 1 and 1-2 TBSP daily for adults – making sure you drink plenty of water as you get used to this additional fibre boost. Blend ground flax seed into a smoothie or mix into oatmeal or applesauce. Don’t cook flax seed oil as the heating will destroy the beneficial omega 3’s.

How to Use It

Weeknight Lemon Flax Seed Oil Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

4 TBSP cold-pressed flax seed oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp raw honey

Pinch dried oregano

Pinch sea salt

Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until blended. Pour over salad and enjoy immediately. Serves 2.

Creamy Flaxy Rice Cereal*

INGREDIENTS

½ cup Brown Rice Farina Cereal (Bob’s Red Mill)

1 cup almond milk

3/4 cup water

1 TBSP ground flax seeds

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon sliced almonds

Combine all ingredients in a pot, except almonds, and simmer for 5-8 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with almonds. Enjoy!

*Adapted from my 21-Day Fertility Cleanse program.

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