Flax Seeds: Benefits and Risks (yes, risks!)

Benefits and Risks of Flax Seed

There are no “magic bullets,” but there are healthy ingredients that make a difference in your diet.  Flax seed is one such ingredient in my pantry, as well as flax seed oil. I love the flavor of the oil and it gives a twist to the old stand-by recipes, like in this Flax Oil Pesto!  The seeds are a staple in my breads and sometimes my casserole dishes too.  I always put it in my granola, crackers and have even experimented with it in cookies.  It’s versatility and health benefits can be found on practically any and every website touting nutrition or baking.  Since I tout both, this is my contribution.

Continue reading Flax Seeds: Benefits and Risks (yes, risks!)

Flax Oil Pesto Recipe (in 5 minutes or less)

 Flax Oil Pesto Sauce

Quick Recipe: 5 Minutes Or Less


Quick Recipe: Flax Oil Pesto

 

You likely already know the health benefits of flax, if you have flax oil sitting pretty in your pantry.  You know about the high levels of Omega 3, the high fiber, abundant antioxidants, and its role in preventing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.  Are there risks to consuming too much flax?  Well, read more about that here.   But maybe, for you, it is about the flavor!

This is one of my fastest and most brainless recipes, truly.  You can whip out this quick recipe for pesto sauce in five minutes or less and have something deliciously elegant for a party or unexpected dinner guests to munch (while you figure out what-in-the-heck you’re going to serve them).  Keeping a pot of basil growing in your kitchen is great for many reasons (taking a deep whiff of the aromatic leaves is among my fave).  If you do grow your own basil, then you will already have all of the ingredients you need without a shopping trip.

Quick Recipe: Flax Oil Pesto Sauce

  If you don’t care for flax oil or you don’t have any on hand, just substitute olive oil, but go slow adding it—it might take slightly less than what is listed in the recipe.

  •   1/3 cup walnuts
  • ½ cup parmesan (can be omitted, but you might want to lower your oil)
  • 1/8 cup minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup flax oil
  • 2 ½ cups fresh basil leaves (yum!)

 Put all ingredients in your food processor and mix! 

Basil leaves straight from my grow light

My basil straight from the pot.

 Blend in Food Processor

Blend everything together in the food processor.

Flax Oil Pesto

It’s that easy.  This is a 5 minute recipe, and an excellent last-minute addition to a dinner party.

You could also take this Spinach Pesto Salad with Pignolias (Pine Nuts) using this tasty pesto, too!

 

Enjoy,

Chaya

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