How Flaxseeds Benefit Your Body? (Plus, 7 Delicious Vegan Recipes)

When it comes to vegan cooking and baking, flaxseeds are a multi-talented ingredient. They can be used to make milk (learn more about that here), they’re a great egg substitute, and they can also replace fat because of their high oil content. And as an added bonus, they’re incredibly nutritious. Just one serving of flaxseed is packed with essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 and fiber. Here’s more on exactly what flaxseeds are, what they do to the body, and how to cook with them. And we’ve definitely included some delicious vegan recipe inspiration.

What are flaxseeds?

Also known as flaxseed, flaxseed is the small, brown seed that comes from a plant The most common is linen. In addition to protein, omega-3 and fiber, they are a source of thiamin, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, vitamin B6 and more.

They have been eaten around the world for centuries and can even be traced back to the ancient Egyptians (who even used the seeds to wrap mummies!).

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What does flaxseed do to your body?

Adding more flaxseed to your diet can help your body in a number of ways. Because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, they can help support heart health and even reduce inflammation.

Some studies also suggest that because flaxseeds are high in a plant compound called lignan, they may also help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Although it is worth mentioning that research is ongoing in this area.

Flaxseeds are also high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, making them especially good for maintaining gut health. “While soluble fiber absorbs water in your gut and slows digestion, which can help control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, which can prevent constipation and encourage regular bowel movements,” explains By Rachel Ajmera, MS, RD, for Healthline.

How do you cook with flaxseed?

Once you’ve stocked up on flaxseeds, what’s the next step? Well, it really depends on what kind of food you enjoy.

If you’re a fan of smoothie bowls or yogurt in the morning, you can sprinkle one to two tablespoons on top for extra nutrition, but also for a delicious extra crunch. Alternatively, you can bake them into cookies, cakes or muffins, or add them to waffles and pancakes. Flaxseeds are also a great way to add extra texture to foods like salads, for example. And they add another element of flavor, thanks to their nutty flavor.

But an important note: when cooking with flaxseeds, it’s important to grind them first to ensure they can be fully digested by the body. You can buy them pre-ground, or you can make them at home using a coffee grinder or food processor.

For more inspiration on how to cook with flaxseeds and get the best of their nutritional benefits, check out the recipes below.

Vegan Recipes with Flaxseed

Audrey Dunham

1 Gluten-Free Golden Waffles

Use three teaspoons of ground flaxseed, instant oats, and apple cider vinegar to make these delicious, gluten-free breakfast waffles. To serve, combine maple syrup and ground cinnamon for a flavorful cinnamon syrup, and don’t forget the fresh berries, too.
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2 Sweet Sesame Cookies

Two types of seeds are key to making these delicious cookies: hemp and sesame. While you can keep sesame seeds whole, flaxseed should be in meal form. A little agave syrup is responsible for adding the sweet flavor needed in these addictive cookies.
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The audit

3 Sweet Potato Pancakes

Think you need milk, butter and eggs to make pancakes? Think again. These vegan pancakes are just as delicious as traditional recipes, only instead of animal products, they’re made with nutritious, plant-based ingredients, like oat flour, sweet potato puree, and flax eggs. The latter consists of a flaxseed meal dissolved in water.
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New nutrients

4 Beefy Vegan Beet Burgers

Flaxseed is not reserved exclusively for sweet recipes. It’s an important part of this beef plant-based burger recipe, which includes black beans, oats, kidney beans, onions, garlic, and more vegetarian ingredients. It is delicious, nutritious and completely meat-free. What are you waiting for? Fire up the grill!
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Dustin Harder

5 Baked French Toast Sticks

This is a great brunch recipe to bookmark on those lazy Sunday mornings when all you want to do is indulge in some delicious food and relax on the couch. With hemp seeds, water and unsweetened applesauce, it’s super easy and quick to make. And incredibly delicious, we hasten to add.
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6 Indoor S’mores Bar

When you think of s’mores, you probably think of summer nights around the campfire. But you don’t need to be outside to enjoy these s’mores bars, which feature a flaxseed graham cracker crust and an aquafaba marshmallow topping, and you don’t even need warm weather or a campfire. Just an oven, a little extra time and a few plant-based ingredients.
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Hannah Kaminsky

7 Furica Baked Avocado Fries

Get a taste of Japanese cuisine with these Baked Avocado Fries coated in delicious, crispy, salty furikake seasoning. The latter involves hemp and sesame seeds, while flaxseed is used in the avocado coating. When it comes time to serve, don’t forget to add a little spicy aioli on the side. fullness
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