Flax seeds are tiny seeds that have a lot of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, improving digestive health, decreasing inflammation, and supporting weight loss. However, many people do not know how to consume them properly and may miss out on their nutrients or experience digestive issues. To help you use flax seeds like a pro, we turned to Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who shared some tips and tricks on his Instagram account.
Roast and grind flax seeds for salads and smoothies
One of the easiest ways to use flax seeds is to add them to your salads and smoothies. However, before you do that, you need to roast and grind them well. Chef Kapoor explained that roasting flax seeds on medium heat until they start to splutter will make them more digestible and enhance their nutty flavor. He also suggested grinding them into a fine powder, which will allow your body to absorb their nutrients more efficiently. You can use a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor to grind them. You can also buy pre-ground flaxseed meal from the store.
Once you have roasted and ground flax seeds, you can sprinkle them over your bowl of salad or cereal for an added crunch and nutritional kick. You can also add them to your smoothies for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, and antioxidants.
Make a hair pack with flax seeds for healthy and shiny hair
Another way to use flax seeds is to make a hair pack with them. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can nourish your scalp and hair follicles, prevent hair loss, and promote hair growth. They also contain lignans, which are phytoestrogens that can balance your hormones and improve your hair texture.
To make a hair pack with flax seeds, Chef Kapoor shared the following recipe:
- Add 1/2 cup of flax seeds with 1 1/2 cups of water.
- Let it boil vigorously until the mixture turns sticky.
- Strain it while it is hot and extract the gel.
- Add 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel and a vitamin E capsule.
- Store it in an airtight container and use as a hair pack.
You can apply this hair pack on your scalp and hair once or twice a week for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with shampoo and conditioner. This will help you achieve healthy and shiny hair.
Other creative ways to use flax seeds in your diet
Besides salads, smoothies, and hair packs, there are many other creative ways to use flax seeds in your diet. Here are some suggestions from Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist at Apollo Hospitals:
- Bread or muffins: You can add ground flax seeds to your bread or muffin batter for extra fibre and omega-3s. You can also use flaxseed meal as a substitute for eggs or oil in vegan or low-fat baking recipes.
- Yogurt or oatmeal: You can mix ground flax seeds with yogurt or oatmeal for a creamy and satisfying breakfast. You can also top it with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for more flavor and nutrition.
- Soup or curry: You can thicken your soup or curry with ground flax seeds instead of cornstarch or flour. This will add more protein and fibre to your dish and make it more filling.
- Chutney or dip: You can blend roasted flax seeds with coconut, garlic, ginger, green chillies, salt, and lemon juice to make a delicious chutney or dip. You can enjoy it with idli, dosa, roti, paratha, or crackers.
- Ladoo or barfi: You can make healthy sweets with roasted flax seeds by mixing them with dates, nuts, sesame seeds, jaggery, ghee, cardamom powder, and coconut. You can shape them into ladoos or barfis and store them in an airtight container for a quick snack.
Flax seeds are versatile and nutritious ingredients that you can use in various ways. By following Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s tips and tricks, you can use flax seeds like a pro and reap their health benefits.
