Written by Taylor Wells, Four Green Steps

One of the oldest fiber crops in the world: Flax seeds, also known as linseed or common flax are used for a vast amount of things. The seed comes in two variations, brown and golden (both with almost identical nutritional characteristics).

Flax seeds can be used as a dietary fiber as its helps speed up ones metabolism; it also has omega-3 fatty acids, and many nutrients. It is said to help diabetes by “stabilizing blood sugar levels” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax) The seed can also be used as a laxative however be careful if you are consuming it without drinking liquids because it can cause intestinal blockage. It is also reported to aid breast and prostate cancer and lower cholesterol.

Not only does flax seeds have nutritional benefits but it can also be used to produce vegetable oil, and drying oil in painting and varnishing. The plant itself produces a soft fiber that is used to make linen products, twine, rope, and paper products.

We have some great Flax products on Four Green Steps, check them out!

Whole Wheat Flax Bread

Plain Golden Flax

Flax/Fish Combo Oil

Flax Seed Powder Form

Our Website also has some delicious recipes that include flax seeds, to see all of them just go to our recipes section and type flax in the search bar. Below are some of my favorite ones:

Carrot Cake Smoothie

Maple Cinnamon Almond Butter

Vegan Peanut Butter Bomb Muffins

Raw Spicy Corn Chips

Nanaimo Bars

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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