Small means manageable, and manageable means quantifiable wins.
As the new year approached, I committed to regulating my metabolism and working toward better digestive health.
In other words: I wanted to be more regular!
Rochelle Bilow
After all: We’ve given up enough over the last year.
I didn’t need anyone taking away my bread.
After just about a week, my historically finicky digestive system began to regulate itself.
Amazon
Real talk: I used to go to the bathroom once a week, twice a week maybe.
But once I got on the flax train, it was a daily occurrencearound the same time each morning.
Suddenly, my body had gone from runaway train to Swiss-made watch: reliable and efficient.
Recipe pictured above:Blueberry-Oat Scones with Flaxseeds
So what’s the deal with flax?
What makes it so magical?
It’s the fiber, sure, butplenty of foods contain fiber.
You probably already know that fiber helps with satietyit keeps us fuller, longerand helps fix constipation.
What makes flax special is how much fiber they contain.
Not bad for 2 little tablespoons!
In addition to that fiber, another major benefit of flax is its quantity of omega-3 fatty acids.
These nutritional compounds are also found in walnuts and salmon, and have a wealth of health benefits.
They havebeen proven to combat depressionandfight inflammation.
Flaxseedscan even help you meet weight-loss goals, if that’s important to you.
If this is all sounding good, here’s how to incorporate flax into your routine with maximum impact.
How to Eat Flaxseeds
1.
Drink water with your flax.
Flaxseeds are made up of two types of fiber:soluble and insoluble.
“Flaxseed is about 95% percent fiber.
Insoluble fiber is composed of cellulose and a compound called lignan, and travels directly to your colon.
Why does this matter?
Grind flax before eating.
It’s generally accepted that ground flaxseeds are easier to digest than whole.
Whole flaxseed has a thick outer hull which is challenging for your body to digest.
Voss explains: “[Flaxseeds] contain more lignan-producing fibers (lignin) than other plant fibers.
Grinding does this.”
What about crackers, chips and breads that contain whole flaxseeds?
And when well-chewed, I am sure some fatty acids and lignins are released,” Voss says.
But for the most efficient nutrient absorption, grinding is the way to go.
Go slowlydon’t eat too much fiber.
In the case of fiber, there is definitely the potential for too much of a good thing.
For men under 50, it’s 38 grams daily, and 30 for the 50 crew.
Most Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diet.
On its own, flax has a faintly “fishy” taste.
It’s not overwhelming, but it’s best when paired with something else.
Some folks swear bysmoothies.
A little sugar does help the medicine go down.
