- Submitted by Raji Ramakrishnan
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Although flaxseed contains all sorts of healthy components, it owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them:
- Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
- Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities.Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
- Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.
- Flaxseeds are a a great source of fiber and work as a natural laxative. They are a great way to keep things regular.
- Flaxseed oil contains concentrated amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat. Vegetarians and vegans often use this as a substitute for fish oil, although there are differing opinions over whether the Omega-3 in flaxseed oil is as beneficial as that in fish oil.
- Ground flaxseed has been shown to work just as well as statins in lowering cholesterol.
- Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium.
- Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans. Lignans may protect against estrogen-dependents cancers such as breast cancer.
- An ounce of ground flaxseed per day was shown to regulate estrogen levels in post-menopausal women.
- Flaxseeds have been shown to protect post-menopausal women from heart disease.
- Flaxseed decreases insulin resistance and may protect against diabetes.
- Preliminary research in mice shows that flaxseeds may prevent or slow the spread of prostate cancer.
- Studies in mice show that flaxseed may prevent or slow the spread of melanoma.
As with everything, moderation is key. Too many flaxseeds may cause negative effects. Just one tablespoon per day is enough in most cases. If you are unsure how much is right for you, ask your doctor how much he or she recommends.
Flaxseed Gun Powder
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15- 25 minutes.
Makes: 2 cups (measuring cup) of podi
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 3/4 cup
- Moong dal - 1/4 cup
- Channa dal - 1/4 cup
- Dry red chillies - 8 nos
- Sesame seeds - 1 tbsp
- Oil - 1/4 tsp
- Asafoetida
- Salt
Method
- Dry roast the flax seeds, sesame seeds and moongdal separately. Keep it aside.
- Add 1/4 tsp oil in the same kadai and roast the chana dal. Keep it aside.
- In the same kadai, add the chilli and roast the same for one minute. Switch off the gas.
- Keep stirring in between after few minutes. The chillies will become crisp.
- Let all the ingredients to cool.
- In the mixer, first put the red chilli and chana dal and grind.
- When it is half done add all the other ingredients and grind to a coarse powder.
- You can use this powder for idli, dosa, uttappa etc. as you use the normal milagai podi.
Variation:
- If you wish, you can add few curry leaves.
- Add coriander leaves and tamarind to make flaxseed kothamalli podi.
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