I was at my Dad's house the other night, celebrating his birthday, and our discussion got on that of eating more healthy. This is something he started himself, a few years back. As we were discussing some whole food ingredients that people should be eating more regularly, he mentioned flax seed. He asked if I made anything with flax seed in it? Then he said, "Flax seed, what is that anyway, and what does a flax seed look like?" Our discussion then turned to the ingredients that are in the bread I have started making for my family. Bassmaster was in this conversation with us, and he agreed that he liked this bread, I have started making. (This is the bread recipe that I posted a few discussions ago.)

Okay Dad, here goes, this is what a flax seed looks like, and why Flax Seed should be a part of a whole foods diet:

Flax Seed contains alpha linolenic acids, a type of plant derived omega-3 fatty acid similar to those found in fish such as salmon.

Benefit of flax seed: helps to lower LDL Cholesterol (bad cholesterol), helps lower triglycerides and blood pressure. Flax seed is also rich in lignan. Lignan is a type of phytoestrogen (antioxident). Flax seed also helps in providing more fiber to your diet.

Research has also revealed that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease - including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. It has also been linked in helping patients diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

*the above information was taken from the following website:

http://www.ameriflax.com/default.cfm?page=chealth

Note: milled flax seed may be used as a fat substitute in most recipes. Generally, 3 T. Milled Flax Seed can replace 1 T. fat or oil. Likewise, 1 T. Milled Flax Seed plus 3 T. of water can replace 1 egg.

Try it!! Your family won't even notice. Mine didn't. I now make oatmeal/whole wheat pancakes, rather than bleached flour pancakes, and they love them! These pancakes also have soy milk, and flax seed in them. They eat one or two and are full, rather than eating three or four of the other. So, they say they taste good, and they are much better for them!!! I'm serious, give it a try!!!