Flax, also known as linseed, is an extremely versatile plant. The earliest evidence of humans using flax was as a textile comes from spun, dyed, and knotted flax fibers found in Paleolithic caves, 30,000 years ago.

This plant holds a wide variety of uses – from textiles to oil, and a large amount of health benefits.

Flax seeds are packed with Omega-3’s – healthy fatty acids that boost your brain functions, mood and heart health. They also contain high levels of mucilage gum, which keeps food in your stomach longer and helps you absorb more nutrients.

Flax seeds are the richest known source of lignans, a group of chemical compounds found in plant-based foods. Lignans are known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the possible benefit of reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels. These are also vital for helping with bowel movements and unclogging our digestive track. If you are feeling constipated, flax seeds are the way to go.

There are many different

ways to use them in food: Blend them into your smoothie, Sprinkle on a salad, Sprinkle onto pasta, wok, or stew, Bake it into crackers, cookies, muffins, or bread, Use as a vegan egg substitute in baking, Add to your yogurt, oatmeal, or any other form of cereal.

One of the most useful and fun ways to use flax is to make it into a bread! This is an amazing grain and gluten free option to bread, and it can be done raw too! All you need to do it process or blend the flax seeds until they are powder. Add different nuts and seeds to your liking, and a small amount of water or almond milk.

Mix them all together to create a thick consistency and then lay out thin layers in a dehydrator. Dry it until it becomes hard but still malleable. This can be used for anything from bread, wraps, burger buns or a base for further baking.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989356/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed

http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/flaxseed