Flax seed…the latest health ingredient in bread, cereal and bakery goods. It has even been called the ‘modern miracle food.’ Why does the name of this small seed seem to be popping up on the packaging of our favorite products?

Why care about flax seed? Flax seed’s high content of alpha linolenic acid, a type of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, has been known to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and can reduce the risk of heart attack. The antioxidants and fiber found in flax helps fight disease, especially breast cancer, Chrohn’s disease and colitis. Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of inflamed intestines.

Include flax in your home cooking:

• Sprinkle ground flax seed on your cereal and salads
• Add flax seed to your muffin and pancake mixtures
• Include in any recipe when nutty flavor is preferred
• Substitute flax seed oil for other oils
• Add ground flax seed to your fruit smoothies
• Take flax oil supplements

Now that you know the selling component of flax seed, it’s understandable why we see it described on products so often. Watch for it next time you are at the store and flax for a healthy future!