Recipe of the Day
Flax Seed Brownies
Flax seed brownies are an excellent and tasty way to get your daily dose of health. Easy to make, even easier to eat andpacked full of chocolatly goodness. Full recipe here
Nutritionist Corner
Gluten Free
Flax has got your back
The Gluten Free craze is sweeping the country. If you are experiencing bloating, diarrhea, gas, cramps, or sudden weight loss, a simple blood test might result in a diagnosis of Celiac Disease. Gluten can injure the lining of the small intestines by causing inflammation in people with Celiac Disease and eliminating gluten from the diet quickly alleviates most symptoms, allowing the patient to live a normal and healthy life.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye and is sometimes used as a flavoring, stabilizing, or thickening agent in many processed foods. The Gluten Free label has become a sought after attribute for many products, and people on a gluten free diet must learn the art of analyzing food labels for any gluten containing ingredients.
Acceptable grain and starch sources for a gluten free diet include flax seed, corn, potatoes, rice, soybeans, tapioca, amaranth, arrowroot, millet, and quinoa. Since the gluten free diet rules out ordinary bread, flour, pasta, as well as many gravies, custards, soups, and sauces, careful planning is required for a safe and nutritious menu.
Flax Seed is an extremely beneficial food for those diagnosed with Celiac Disease, by providing a large dose of much needed fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are usually lacking in a gluten free diet. In addition, the omega 3s and phytoestrogen properties found in Flax Seed contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Celiac Disease has been shown to have a genetic component and family history contributes to the diagnosis. The gluten free diet must be maintained for the entire life of the patient while strict attention and creativity is needed to make sure that the gluten free diet still provides adequate nutrition.
Omega 3-s: Get the Fats
By Deborah Orlick Levy, MS,RD
Health Above All, LLC
Dietary fats make you fat, raise your cholesterol and increase your triglyceride levels, right? The answer may just surprise you. It really depends on the kind of fats you are eating. Some fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like Flax Seed, walnuts, canola oil, and some fish (like salmon, sardines, tuna and anchovies) are actually healthy for you. They have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, joint pain, and an array of other ailments.
Most people don’t get enough omega-3s through their diet alone. They take in too much of omega-6 fatty acids which are also essential but need to be balanced by omega-3s in the diet. Health and medical issues arise when they are not. In fact, the current ratio of a typical American diet is 20:1 (omega-6: omega-3); however, nutrition experts recommend a ratio of 4:1 (omega-3:omega6). So, how does someone make this happen?
The biggest problem is that many Americans either do not like or are concerned about mercury levels in fish and so do not consume the recommended 2 servings a week. In that case, oftentimes, people try a fish oil supplement. However, there are numerous reports of gastrointestinal issues when fish oil capsules are consumed.
So, what’s left? Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3s and comes in many forms. It is sold as ground or whole seeds or as an oil. All are healthy options to get more omega-3s, but the ground flaxseed also contains 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon. It is high in SDG lignans and it can be sprinkled on cereals, yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods or in smoothies.
So, eat your fats…just make sure they’re healthy.
