Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares how to ‘use flax seeds like a pro’

Concurring, Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals said, “Flax seeds are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which can aid digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote a feeling of satiety, potentially aiding in weight management. It also contains compounds called lignans, which act as antioxidants that may reduce chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.”

While nutritionists recommend a tablespoon of flax seeds a day to meet your daily nutritional requirement, one needs to be mindful of the way you consume flax seeds. If not chewed properly, they render no benefit to your body. So, to make matters easier for you, we turned to Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who took to his Instagram to share some ways you can use flax seeds.

*Firstly, he mentioned in the video that flax seeds can be used in salads. “Dry roast flax seeds on medium heat. Once the seeds start to splutter, use it over the salad,” he said.

*Another way to use flax seeds is to add them to smoothies.

*Finally, you can also it as a hair pack. “Add 1/2 cup of flax seeds with 1 1/2 cups of water. Let it boil vigorously. Once the mixture turns sticky, strain it, while it is hot. Extract the gel. Add 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel and a vitamin E capsule. Store it in an airtight container and use as hair pack,” Kapoor noted.

 

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A post shared by Sanjeev Kapoor (@sanjeevkapoor) 

Here are some other creative and easy ways to incorporate flax seeds into your diet, as per Dr Rohatgi:

*Oatmeal or cereal: Sprinkle ground flax seeds over your bowl of oatmeal or cereal for an added crunch and nutritional kick.

*Yoghurt or cottage cheese: Mix ground flax seeds into yoghurt or cottage cheese for extra texture and nutrients. You can also add some fruits and honey for flavour.

*Baking: Substitute a portion of the flour in recipes with ground flax seeds when baking muffins, pancakes, waffles, or even bread. This can increase the fibre and nutrient content of your baked goods.

*Homemade granola: Make your own granola using rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Add flax seeds to the mix for an extra health boost.

*Soups and stews: Mix ground flax seeds into soups and stews just before serving to thicken them and enhance their nutritional content.

*Eggs: Mix ground flax seeds into scrambled eggs or omelettes for an added nutritional boost.

*Beverages: Mix ground flax seeds into beverages like smoothies, juices, or even water. Let them sit for a while to create a thickened, gel-like texture.

*Breadcrumbs: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with ground flax seeds when coating meats or vegetables for a healthier option.

*Dips and spreads: Mix ground flax seeds into hummus, guacamole, or other dips and spreads.

*Stir-fries: Sprinkle whole flax seeds onto stir-fried vegetables or tofu dishes for added texture and nutrition.

*Flaxseed oil: Use flaxseed oil as a salad dressing or drizzle it over cooked dishes. Keep in mind that flaxseed oil should not be heated, as it has a low smoke point.

Another way to use flax seeds is to add them to smoothies. (Source: Freepik)

While flax seeds offer numerous health benefits, there are certain groups of individuals who may need to exercise caution or avoid consuming them in large quantities. “People who suffer from allergies to flax seeds, digestive conditions such as diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches in the colon), or are pregnant or breastfeeding, may need to consult a health specialist before adding flax seeds to their diet,” Anand said.

In conclusion, Dr Rohatgi noted that while flax seeds can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet, they should not be seen as a substitute for medical treatments or professional medical advice.

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