You might have observed how women worldwide are utilizing flaxseed gel to achieve soft, silky, and smooth hair. However, were you aware that these seeds rank among the cheapest weight-loss friendly foods available in your local supermarket? Flaxseeds, commonly known as “alsi” in India, contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study published in [National Library of Medicine], these seeds contain 35-45% fiber, which promotes a feeling of fullness and aids in appetite control. They also have a good amount of protein in them and healthy fats. Since it’s a gluten-free too, it would be a good addition to your daily diet. In this article, we present 5 delicious ways to incorporate flaxseeds into your meals.
Harnessing the Power of Flaxseed: Understanding Its Role in Weight Loss
Flaxseeds contain a significant amount of protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and more. The soluble fiber in flaxseeds aids in weight loss by extending feelings of fullness, regulating blood sugar levels, and lowering cholesterol. Meanwhile, the insoluble fiber contributes to stool bulk and is beneficial for individuals experiencing constipation. The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber ensures a healthy gut, which is crucial for unlocking weight loss potential. It has been found that certain gut bacteria play a significant role in how the body stores fat and regulate metabolism and hormone levels associated with hunger and appetite control.
Now that we understand the amazing benefits of including flaxseeds into our diet, let’s check out 5 ways to use flaxseeds to boost weight loss.
5 Ways To Use Flaxseed in Daily Diet:
1. Roti:
To prepare flaxseed flour roti, mix 1 cup of flaxseed flour with salt and knead it into a smooth dough using water. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls. Roll out each portion into a thin, round roti on a floured surface. Cook the roti on a hot tawa or pan for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown spots appear. Optionally, brush with ghee or oil for added flavor. Serve hot with your favorite curry or dal. Enjoy the nutritious and tasty flaxseed flour roti!
2. Jawas Chutney:
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh in a recent interview described how they love to include jawas chutney in their daily diet. Jawas is flaxseed in Maharashtrian cuisine. Here’s how to make this chutney which can be had as a side dish along with rice or roti. Roast 1/2 cup of flax seeds in a pan over medium heat until they are evenly toasted. Let them cool completely. In a blender, combine the roasted flax seeds with 4 cloves of garlic, 1 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and salt to taste. Blend the ingredients until they form a fine powder. Your flavorful Jawas or flax seed chutney is ready to enjoy!
3. Dosa:
To prepare flaxseed dosa, soak urad dal, chana dal, and fenugreek seeds for 4-6 hours. Then, grind them into a smooth paste along with ground flaxseed and rice flour. Add salt and adjust the consistency with water to form a pourable batter. Heat a non-stick pan, pour the batter, and spread it into a thin dosa. Cook until golden brown, flip, and cook the other side. Serve hot with chutney or sambar.
4. Ladoo:
To prepare weight-loss friendly flaxseed ladoo for two people, start by dry roasting ground flaxseed, chopped nuts (like almonds, cashews, or walnuts), and desiccated coconut until aromatic. Allow them to cool slightly before adding ghee and optional honey for sweetness. Consider adding a pinch of cardamom powder for flavor. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and shape the mixture into small ladoos while it’s still warm. Once cooled, store the ladoos in an airtight container for a nutritious and sugar-free snack option. Enjoy!
5. Crackers:
Combine 1 cup ground flaxseed (or half flax, half almond meal), 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, and spices of choice (such as cumin or black pepper) in a mixing bowl. Preheat the oven to 160°C and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Slowly add the water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Transfer the dough onto the lined baking tray and cut into diamond shape. Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, making sure they do not burn. Once baked, allow the crackers to cool completely before breaking them into pieces. Have these crackers with a cup of chair or coffee instead of cookies and biscuits.
In conclusion, flaxseeds are an inexpensive yet nutrient-dense food that helps in weight management. With their rich content of soluble and insoluble fiber, they offer a dual benefit of satiety and digestive support, making them an ideal addition to your daily diet. By including flaxseeds in your meals, you’re not only nurturing your hair but also nurturing your body from within. Let these tiny, gluten-free seeds pave the way for a more vibrant and nourished you, both inside and out.
