The best things really do come in small packages.
There are two little seeds that offer incredible overall benefits…everything from unbelievable good health to high energy and effortless weight loss just by replacing about half of the processed or refined foods you presently eat.
Often called “Ancient Super Foods of The Future” these tiny but might warriors are Flaxseed and Chia seed.
Flaxseeds –
Flaxseeds are tagged as the new wonder food by many because they carry one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. Similar (although not a grain itself) to the vitamin and mineral profiles of grains, but when it comes to fiber, antioxidants and those important Omega-3 acids, flaxseed is a clear winner.
What makes flax especially exciting is its versatility. You can add ground flaxseed to smoothies, sprinkle it over yogurt, stir it into pancake or muffin batter, or even use it as an egg substitute in baking (just one tablespoon of ground flax mixed with three tablespoons of water equals one egg). This makes it simple to sneak powerful nutrition into everyday meals without much effort.
First cultivated in Babylon as early as 3,000 BC., it was mandatory for all subjects in King Charlemagne’s court to consume it because he believed in the health benefits so much and now 13 centuries later science and research is making him look like a genius.
Health Benefits:
Containing all sorts of healthy components, flaxseed owes its healthy reputation primarily to three ingredients:
Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids: These are the good fats…the ones that offer heart-healthy effects. Flaxseed offers about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s per tablespoon. Omega-3 fatty acids are key players in the war against inflammation in our bodies.
Phytochemicals and antioxidants: Flaxseed is perhaps our best source of lignans containing 75-800 times more than other plant foods. Lignans convert in our intestines to substances that tent to balance female hormones and there is even evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce menopausal symptoms, offer anti-cancer properties and help prevent diabetes.
Fiber: Fiber in the diet helps to stabilize blood sugar which in turn promotes proper functioning of the intestines and you would be hard pressed to find a food higher in fiber (both soluble and insoluble) than flaxseed. This fiber is mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax.
An added benefit that flaxseed offers is that it is very low in carbohydrates which makes it ideal for those who wish to limit their intake of sugars and starches. The combination of high fiber with healthy fat makes it a great solution for weight loss and maintenance.
- It’s important to note that flaxseed needs to be ground in order to make their nutrients available otherwise they simply pass through the body undigested.
Because flaxseed helps to keep people feeling satisfied, those wishing to lose excess body fat find this wonder see a key which is ultimately vital to sticking to a healthy eating plan without being derailed by demanding food cravings.
Chia Seeds –
The second little wonder seed is Chia seed. Similar to flax, chia seed is loaded with protein, is an excellent source of fiber, full of antioxidants, loaded with vitamins and minerals and a great source of B vitamins including folic acid and the richest known plant source of omega-3 essential fatty acids offering more omega-3 than Atlantic salmon.
One of the unique qualities of chia is its ability to absorb up to twelve times its weight in liquid, forming a gel like consistency. This makes it a perfect base for healthy puddings, natural sports drinks, or a thickener for soups and sauces. When consumed, this gel slows down digestion, keeping you full longer and helping regulate blood sugar levels with remarkable ease.
Chia seeds offer important anti-aging properties and fight free radicals by neutralizing the free radicals that cause premature aging and by flushing out age-accelerating toxins. They help you regain youthful exuberance and skin elasticity, they enhance hair, skin and nails, lubricates joints, reduces inflammation and muscle soreness.
Gram for gram Chia seeds offer the highest source of protein bar none. All it takes is one or two tablespoons daily to improve nutrition.
Chia seed is definitely the most nutritious seed available anywhere; it is one of the best health-building super foods or nutritional supplements around. Unlike flaxseed, Chia seeds to not have to be ground but can be enjoyed right out of the bag or you can add them to salads or cereals or nearly anything else.
Pair super Chia seed with flaxseed for a double punch of super-power and super-nutrition. This is a power duo that promotes health in everyone who takes it. It’s a good thing!
It’s time to live your “best life possible!”
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