Flaxseeds, the Oldest Super Food!

It's just a simple seed, right? One of the oldest grains in the world might be the key to your best health yet, and it is so simple to add to almost any recipe! 

Hello Friends! How is it already September? I hope your little ones have enjoyed their first few weeks back at school, and you're enjoying the last (very warm) summer days! Did you enjoy my recipes last month? This month we are going to be talking about one of my favorite items to cook and bake with, Flax Seeds! Again, these little seeds haven't just been a trend in recent years. They are one of the oldest superfoods in the world and have a really interesting history. 

These little seeds have been cultivated as early as 3000 BC in Babylon. They were cultivated in ancient Egypt and China and played a huge role in Asian medicines for thousands of years. Powerful leaders like Charles the Great and Charlemagne ordered their subjects and warriors to eat them for their incredible nutrients. They were once called "Linum Usitatissimum" meaning the most useful, and for good reason. 

Today these seeds are categorized as a superfood and called one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. Rightfully so! 

• They are loaded with nutrients! You will find protein, fiber, Vitamin B1 and B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and more within them. 
• They are high in omega 3 fats.
• They are a source of lignans, which could reduce your risk of cancer.
• They are a great dietary fiber.
• They might help with cholesterol, blood pressure, help control blood sugar and help prevent diabetes and heart disease. 
• They help control hunger, helping with weight loss.
• They are incredibly versatile when cooking. It is so easy to add them to almost anything. 
• It comes in different forms. Seeds, oil, and ground seed. This makes it even easier to consume and cook with! 
• You only need 1 tablespoon a day to receive all of these incredible benefits. Although doctors prescribe not going over 5 tablespoons a day. 

So in celebration of this incredible seed and the fall season upon us, I wanted to share this incredible recipe celebrating both! Here is a yummy recipe for Pumpkin Flax Seed Muffins! I hope you enjoy this recipe and try it out. If you do, please share your results and what you think! 

What You Will Need: 

• Two Tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds
• One teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
• Three tablespoons Agave Nectar
• 2 Eggs (or egg substitute of your choice) 
• Half cup of vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice) 
• One and a half cups Pumpkin Puree
• One teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Half teaspoon baking powder
• Half cup Suncanat (or sugar substitute of your choice) 
• Half cup ground Flax Seed
• Three fourth cup of 100% whole wheat flour (or flour of your choice!)

How To Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375. While it is heating, grease a twelve cup muffin pan or line it with baking cups
• Combine your flour, flaxseed, Sucanat, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice into a mixing bowl. Then add all of your wet ingredients, your pumpkin, almond milk, eggs, agave nectar, and vanilla. Blend all of this well until it is smooth. 
• Pour your newly made muffin mix into the muffin cups. Once all the batter is poured out, sprinkle your pumpkin seeds onto the top of the batter. 
• Put your muffin pan into the oven for twenty minutes or until a fork comes out clean after cutting into the center of your muffin. 
• Enjoy!