Find Room for Flaxseed

by Molly Niendorf — August 18, 2008

More and more health-conscious people are taking flaxseed oil supplements. The high omega-3 content fights toxins and regulates insulin levels. According to Ann Louise Gittleman, author of The Fat Flash, substituting actual flaxseed oil for other oils in your diet, such as olive oil, isn't a bad idea. Adding 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil to your meals twice daily means you'll get just the right proportion of alpha linolenic acid, omega-6 essential fats, and omega-3s. Research shows these healthy fatty acids improve cognition, moods, and memory. A helpful tip: Flaxseed oil must be refrigerated, and while it can be added to hot foods, avoid adding it directly to the pan on a hot stove.

Here are some great recipes to enhance with flaxseed oil:

Southwestern egg-white scramble: Scramble your whites with diced peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Drizzle flaxseed oil on top and enjoy with a side of black beans.

Crab pasta salad: Use chunk-style imitation crab (another great source of omega-3s!) and mix with cold pasta, chopped celery, tomatoes, and black olives. Mix flaxseed oil in desired proportion.

Bruschetta: Prepare this hors d'oeuvre as usual (or make it easy and buy an organic, ready-made topping at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's), substituting flaxseed oil for olive oil.