Superfood Smoothie Saturdays: Flax Seed Oil and a Superfood Brain Smoothie
http://www.melissawest.com/flax-seed-oil/
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Welcome to another episode of Superfood Smoothie Saturdays! This week we are going to focus on how to get your Omega 3’s with Flax Seed Oil. One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that eating is about personal preference and my personal preference is that my smoothies taste like smoothies, not gooey, slimy cereal. That is why I like to use flax seed oil and not flax seeds in my smoothies. With flax seed oil my smoothies come out smooth and rich.
Flax seed oil is a plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. There have been studies that show that flax oil was beneficial for those with crohn’s disease and colitis as it calms the inner lining of inflamed intestines. Flax can also be helpful in easing constipation since it is an effective natural laxative.
Source: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-health-benefits-of-flaxseed-oil/
Flaxseed oil, like fish oil, has been studied for lowering triglycerides. However, it is necessary to ingest a lot of flaxseed oil (38-60 grams) to have any noticeable effects.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-flaxseed-oil
Flax Seed Oil can help to prevent Cardio Vascular Disease: Several studies have suggested that diets rich in flaxseed omega-3s help prevent hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in the arteries partly by keeping white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessels’ inner linings. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed?page=2
There are also studies emerging that show flax seed oil helps to improve mood and brain function: http://www.livestrong.com/article/472237-flax-oil-for-mood-brain-functions/
I include 1 tbsp of flaxseed oil in my smoothie every day.
Superfood Brain Smoothie
1 scoop protein powder
1 1/2 cups – 2 cups water or non-dairy milk
1 cup of blueberries (blueberries will improve brainpower http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=your-brain-on-blueberries)
1 tbsp. of flaxseed oil
