Flaxseeds are a great addition to a keto diet. They are low in carbs and contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and plant lignans. Flaxseeds come in two varieties: brown and yellow/golden. While brown flax seeds have a more robust, nuttier taste, the flavour of golden flax seeds is often described as mild and buttery. The brown flax seeds will be visible in your food, whereas the golden ones are less visible and blend perfectly into batters and cakes.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 5g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 1g |
Calories | 81 |
What You'll Learn
Flaxseed meal is keto-friendly
Flaxseed meal is a versatile culinary ingredient. It can be used as an egg replacer in vegan recipes, a thickener in keto recipes, and a substitute for flour in baked goods.
Flax seeds come in two varieties: brown and yellow/golden. There is no nutritional difference between the two, but golden flax seeds have a milder, buttery flavour and are less visible in batters and cakes.
Flaxseed meal is a great addition to a keto diet as it is very low in carbs. Two tablespoons of flax seeds have less than a gram of digestible carbohydrates, making them a healthy boost of micronutrients and fibre. Flax seeds are also a good source of omega-3s, which can be difficult to get enough of in a modern diet.
Flaxseed meal can be added to a variety of keto recipes, including keto bread, muffins, cookies, pancakes, crackers, tortillas, and wraps. It can also be used to thicken smoothies or added to breakfast shakes for a nutritional boost.
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Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and plant lignans
Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and plant lignans. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce, so they must be obtained from food. Flaxseeds are one of the few plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, with around half of their total fat content being omega-3 fatty acids. This type of omega-3 fat is called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a precursor for the production of longer-chain omega-3s found in the brain, eyes, and skin.
Flaxseeds are also a good source of dietary fibre, with just 2 tablespoons providing over 30% of the daily value. Fibre supports the cardiovascular system, gut health, and immunity. It helps food move through the digestive tract and absorbs excess cholesterol from the intestines. Additionally, fibre "feeds" healthy gut bacteria, which indirectly influences overall health.
Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, which are plant compounds that have been studied for their potent cancer-fighting properties. Flaxseeds contain up to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods. Lignans are precursors to phytoestrogens, which can help protect female health.
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Flaxseeds are safe to cook with
Flaxseeds are also rich in protein and omega fatty acids, have a high content of antioxidants and fibres, so they enhance digestion and provide a long-lasting sense of satiety. Flaxseeds are also a good source of fibre, with just 2 tablespoons providing over 30% of the daily value. Fibre is an indigestible carbohydrate with many health benefits. For example, it supports the cardiovascular system, gut health, and immunity. Fibre also helps food move through the digestive tract and absorbs excess cholesterol from the intestines. Additionally, fibre "feeds" healthy gut bacteria, which indirectly influences almost all aspects of health.
Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, a type of phytoestrogen (somewhat similar to the female hormone oestrogen). While human oestrogen is vital for the growth and regulation of the female reproductive system, excessive exposure to this hormone is linked to certain health conditions, including breast cancer. However, research published in the May 2014 issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies concluded that flaxseed consumption in women either had no impact, or caused a decrease in blood levels of oestrogen.
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Flaxseeds are the richest dietary source of lignans
Flaxseeds are one of the world's oldest crops and are considered one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. They are a versatile ingredient with a mild, nutty flavour and a crisp, crunchy consistency. They are also highly nutritious and are the richest dietary source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen.
Lignans are plant compounds that have been studied for their potent cancer-fighting properties. Flaxseeds contain 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods. Flaxseed lignans are currently being investigated for their anticancer properties, particularly in relation to hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial and prostate cancer.
In addition to their high lignan content, flaxseeds are also a good source of protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, along with several important vitamins and minerals. They have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers, improved digestive health, stabilised blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Flaxseeds can be easily incorporated into your diet by adding them to smoothies, sprinkling them over cereal, or using them in baking. They are a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal and can provide a range of health benefits.
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Flaxseed bread is a great low-carb alternative to regular bread
The flaxseed bread recipe is straightforward and only requires golden flaxseed meal, warm water, baking powder, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and salt. The process is simple: mix the dry ingredients, add the apple cider vinegar and water, and stir until the flaxseed meal becomes sticky. Form the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle some seeds on top and bake in the oven for 60 minutes.
Flaxseed bread is a healthy and delicious option for those looking for a low-carb alternative to regular bread. It is simple to make and can be easily customised with various spices and herbs. This bread is perfect for those on a keto diet or looking for a gluten-free option.
Flaxseeds are a great source of plant-based protein and are rich in micronutrients, fibre, and essential fats. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. Flaxseeds are particularly high in dietary fibre, which supports cardiovascular health, gut health, and immunity. Additionally, flaxseeds contain lignans, which are a type of phytoestrogen that may provide benefits for female health.
Flaxseed bread is a tasty and nutritious option that can be enjoyed as is or toasted. It is a versatile bread that can be paired with various toppings, such as sprouted hummus and greens, or simply with some vegan butter. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a convenient choice for those looking for a quick and healthy bread option.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golden flax meal is keto-friendly. Flax seeds are one of the few plant-based protein sources, micronutrients, fibre, and essential fats that you can safely enjoy on a low-carb lifestyle.
Golden flax meal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fibre, proteins, vitamin B1, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Flax seeds are also rich in compounds called lignans that support cardiovascular and female health.
Brown flax seeds have a more robust, nuttier taste, while the flavour of golden flax seeds is often described as mild and buttery. The brown in brown flax seeds will be visible wherever you put them, whereas golden flax seeds are less visible and blend perfectly into batters and cakes.
You can use golden flax meal in many different recipes like keto wraps, flaxseed bread, and flaxseed crackers, or simply add some flaxseed powder to thicken a smoothie without adding sugar!
Flaxseeds or linseeds contain many beneficial nutrients for your health. The most important are: Omega 3 fatty acids, also known as "the good fats", protect your heart, and they have been shown as beneficial nutrients to decrease triglycerides and lower blood pressure. Lignans, flaxseed is the plant with the more lignans, an antioxidant found in the fibre part of flaxseeds. Lignans are also phytoestrogens, a plant nutrient that somehow could act like the female hormone estrogen.