Milled Flax & Goji Mix - Linwoods- 425g

Eggs are the main ingredients of many savoury and sweet dishes. Eggs are versatile and have properties that are needed in baking and cooking. They help to bind components, work as a thickener, help the cakes to rise and give them a spongy texture. They help achieve the creaminess of many desserts and sauces. Actually, so many sweet and savoury recipes feature eggs that it gets complicated when you want to follow a plant-based diet or suffer from allergies and simply cannot eat them. Is it possible to replace eggs? You can prepare a vegan replacer at home. This way, you will still be able to enjoy traditional recipes without eggs. There are many ways to do it; you just need to have a few specific ingredients in your kitchen pantry. Egg Replacer Recipes Chickpea Water or Aquafaba egg replacer Aquafaba is the brine, which is usually drained away from a can of chickpeas, and can be used as an egg white substitute. You can use it straight from the can. It is high in protein, so you can whip it just like egg whites, but be aware that you will need sugar to stabilise it. It will make a beautiful and fluffy foam. It will be a great egg replacer for mousses, creamy desserts, cakes, pancakes and meringue. Method: To make 1 egg replacer, you will need 60 ml of aquafaba. Just mix it into your dough or batter or whip it using a mixer. Baking soda & vinegar egg replacer This mixture can replace eggs in specific cake recipes, especially chocolate cakes, chocolate muffins, loaves and cupcakes. It will help the dough to rise and work as a browning agent. Recipe: To make 1 egg substitute, mix 1 tsp baking soda with 1 tbsp vinegar. Ground Flaxseed (Linseed) egg replacer Ground flaxseed is one of the most popular egg replacers in many vegan recipes. It works well as a binder in both savoury and sweet baked recipes, cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes and in batters. It is also very healthy - packed with fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. Recipe: to make 1 egg substitute, mix 1 tbsp of flaxseed powder with 3 tbsp of water in a small bowl. Warm water would work best (not boiling!) Set aside for a few minutes. The flax egg mixture will become thick. Chia seeds egg replacer For egg replacer, white chia seeds would be best (they are less visible than the black ones). You mix whole chia seeds with water, and they become a kind of slimy mixture that will work as a binder for cakes, muffins, and cookies. Chia seeds are a great source of fibre, protein, and unsaturated fats. Please note when chia seeds are used whole, there will be some crunchiness to your baked goods. Recipe: To make 1 egg equivalent, mix 1 tbsp chia seeds with 3 tbsp water in a small bowl. Set aside for 15 minutes, so the mixture thickens. The chia seeds will be a gelatine consistency. Fruit puree or marmalade as an egg replacer These ingredients will work to make a denser texture. Please note, they can change the flavour and colour of your baked goods. They will work best for pancakes, muffins and some dense cakes like brownies. Method: To replace 1 egg, add approximately 60ml of fruit puree (banana, pumpkin etc.) or applesauce to your dough. Chickpea Flour egg replacer Chickpea flour Gram flour is a yellow flour used in many Indian recipes. It will work well as an egg replacer for cakes, muffins, deep-fried dishes, pancakes, quiches and tarts. Chickpea flour is rich in protein and fibre. Thanks to its yellowish colour and consistency, it can even be used to make vegan scrambled eggs or omelettes. You just mix it with water, some black salt and spices and fry it with some oil in a frying pan just like you do with the eggs. Recipe: the equivalent of 1 egg will be 1 tbsp chickpea flour + 3 tbsp water. Mix the flour with water until smooth.

There is a strong case to be made that no plant has shaped human life more quietly than flax. Before wheat fed cities, before cotton clothed empires, our Upper Paleolithic ancestors were already spinning its fibres into rope and dyeing them for fabric. Archaeologists working in Dzudzuana Cave, in present-day Georgia, have dated knotted wild flax fibres there to around 30,000 years ago — some of the earliest evidence of textile-making anywhere on Earth. Today, most British shoppers know the same plant in two very different forms. One sits in the food shops and pantry cupboards, sold as flaxseed or linseed, sprinkled over porridge for its Omega-3. The other sits in clothes shops and our wardrobes as linen, the cool summer cloth that breathes better than almost anything else. They are the same plant, grown for different ends. The plant: Linum usitatissimum Botanists call it Linum usitatissimum, which translates, as "the most useful flax." It is an annual plant that grows to about a metre tall, with slender stems and small, blue flowers that open at sunrise and drop their petals by lunchtime. The flowers give way to round seed capsules holding the familiar glossy seeds — sometimes brown, sometimes golden. Flax was one of the founder crops of agriculture. Genetic and archaeological evidence points to a single domestication event in the Fertile Crescent roughly 11,000 years ago, alongside the first wheat and barley. From there, it spread along trade routes into Egypt, across the Mediterranean, north into Russia and the British Isles, and east as far as China. What makes flax unusual is that it is genuinely two crops in one plant. Different cultivars have been selected for different purposes for thousands of years. Tall, single-stemmed varieties with long stems are grown for fibre — these become the cloth linen. Shorter, more branched varieties with larger seed capsules are grown for the seed — these become flaxseed, linseed oil, and animal feed. The fabric: how flax becomes linen To turn flax stems into linen requires a small piece of agricultural witchcraft. After the plant is pulled (not cut — the whole root comes up to preserve fibre length), it is laid in fields or soaked in water for a process called retting. Microbes break down the pectin that glues the long fibres to the woody core of the stem. Then comes scutching, where the brittle outer stem is crushed and stripped away, and heckling, where the freed fibres are combed into long, silky strands. Linen has been with us throughout recorded history. Egyptian priests wore it because they considered it pure. The mummies of the pharaohs were wrapped in it. The Bible mentions it dozens of times. It is stronger when wet than dry, naturally cool to the touch, and dyes beautifully. From an environmental angle, it is one of the lowest-impact textiles we have: flax needs roughly a third of the water cotton does, grows well in temperate climates without irrigation, and the whole plant gets used, from the long fibres for cloth to the short fibres for paper and ropes. Even the by-products have a second life. The flaxseeds pressed from fibre flax become linseed oil, the drying oil that has bound oil paints since the Renaissance, sealed timber for centuries, and given us linoleum — a name that comes straight from linum oleum, flax oil. Flaxseed or linseed? Flaxseed and linseed are the same seed from the same plant. The difference is purely a matter of how it is being sold and where. In the UK, "linseed" has historically meant the seed sold for industrial purposes — pressed into oil for woodwork, fed to horses, processed into supplements. "Flaxseed" tends to be the term used when it is marketed as a human food. In the US, "flaxseed" covers both food and seed, while "linseed oil" specifically means the drying oil for painting and finishing. Increasingly, the two words are used interchangeably in food contexts, and you will find both on supermarket shelves. There are also two seed colours: brown and golden. Nutritionally they are nearly identical. Brown seeds have a slightly earthier, nuttier flavour; golden seeds are milder and visually less obvious in pale baking. Both are equally healthy. The nutrition Per 100 g, flaxseed delivers roughly 450 kcal, 41 g of fat, 28 g of fibre, and 20 g of protein. That is a remarkable density, but the headline nutrients are not the macros — they are three other things. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Around 57% of the fat in flaxseed is ALA, the plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid. There are very few foods in a typical diet that match this concentration. Your body converts a small percentage of ALA into the longer-chain Omega-3s found in oily fish (EPA and DHA), but ALA itself is also associated with cardiovascular benefits — including small but consistent reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure across published meta-analyses. Lignans. Flaxseed is the single richest known dietary source of lignans, a class of phytoestrogen. The primary one, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), is being studied for its links to hormone-related cancers and gut health. Flaxseed contains hundreds of times more lignans than most other foods. Soluble and insoluble fibre. That 28 g of fibre per 100 g is split between insoluble fibre (which keeps things moving) and soluble mucilage that turns gel-like in water. It is the fibre that gives flaxseed its long-standing reputation for easing constipation, and it is also food for the bacteria that look after your gut lining. Flaxseed also contains useful amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, thiamine and copper in the bargain. How to use flaxseed Whole flaxseeds have a tough, slippery hull that resists chewing and digestion. If you sprinkle whole seeds on your porridge, most of them will travel through you unbroken, taking the Omega-3 and lignans with them. To get the nutritional benefit, the seeds need to be ground — or pre-soaked. A few practical rules: Grind your seeds fresh, ideally weekly, in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender. Ground flax oxidises quickly because of all that fragile ALA, so store it in an airtight container in the fridge and use within a month. Whole seeds keep much longer. Buy them whole, store them in a cool, dark cupboard, and grind in small batches as you need them. The classic uses are the easiest. A spoonful of ground flax stirred into porridge, yoghurt or a smoothie. A scattering through bread dough or muffin batter. A teaspoon whisked into salad dressings to add body and Omega-3. If you bake without eggs, flax is your best friend. One tablespoon of ground flax mixed with three tablespoons of water, left to sit for ten minutes, gels into a binder - an egg substitute (also knows as the vegan egg) that holds banana bread and brownies together beautifully. Sourcing matters Like every whole food, the quality of your flaxseed depends on what the plant was grown in and how it was handled after harvest. Organic, non-GMO seed kept cool from harvest to packet preserves the delicate Omega-3 and avoids the agrochemical residues that can build up in oilseeds. That is why we stock our linseed and flaxseed range the way we do — organic where possible, in resealable bulk sizes that let you grind fresh without compromising what makes this 30,000-year-old crop worth eating in the first place. From rope in a Georgian cave to linen on the back, from a drying oil on a Renaissance painting to a teaspoon in your morning porridge: Linum usitatissimum has earned its name.

We’ve all seen the marketing: "High in Omega-3!" or "Contains Essential Fatty Acids!" But in the world of nutrition, more isn't always better—balance is everything. At Whole Food Earth, we see many customers loading up on healthy seeds and nuts, yet still feeling the effects of inflammation. Often, the culprit isn't a lack of "healthy fats," but a skewed ratio between the different types of Omegas. Here is the "unprocessed" truth about Omega 3, 6, and 9. 1. Meet the Family: 3, 6, and 9 Not all Omegas are created equal. Some are "essential" (your body cannot make them), and some are "non-essential" (your body can produce them if needed). Omega-3 (The Anti-Inflammatory Hero): Essential. Found in Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Flaxseeds, and Walnuts. These are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing systemic inflammation. Omega-6 (The Misunderstood Sibling): Essential. Found in many seeds and nuts, but also heavily concentrated in processed vegetable oils (sunflower, soybean, corn). While we need some for immune response, an excess can become pro-inflammatory. Omega-9 (The Supportive Relative): Non-essential. Your body can make this from other fats, but consuming it (like in Avocado or Almonds) supports metabolic health. 2. The Great Imbalance: The 1:20 Problem Evolutionarily, humans thrived on a diet with an Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of roughly 1:1 or 4:1. In the modern Western diet, that ratio has ballooned to as high as 20:1. Because processed "conventional" foods rely so heavily on cheap Omega-6 oils, our bodies are constantly in a state of high-alert inflammation. The Goal: You don't need to cut out Omega-6 entirely; you need to "crowd it out" by significantly increasing your intake of whole, unprocessed Omega-3 sources. 3. The Plant-Based Challenge: ALA to EPA/DHA If you are eating a plant-based or whole-food diet, your Omega-3s come in the form of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid). Your body then has to convert this into EPA and DHA (the forms used by the brain and heart). To make this conversion efficient, you need a clean system. This is why unprocessed is a higher priority than organic: Processed "junk" fats interfere with this conversion. Whole foods like our [Hemp Seeds] provide the perfect mineral co-factors (like Magnesium and Zinc) to help your body do its job. 4. How to Fix Your Ratio with Whole Food Earth You don't need expensive, fishy-tasting supplements to find balance. You just need to be strategic with your pantry staples: The Daily Sprinkle: Two tablespoons of [Organic Milled Flaxseed] provide more than your daily requirement of ALA. The Hemp Advantage: Hemp seeds have a "Golden Ratio" of 3:1 (Omega-6 to Omega-3), making them one of the most balanced foods on the planet. The Walnut Snack: Just a handful of raw walnuts provides a potent dose of brain-supporting fats without the processing found in nut butters. Essential Fats, Not Essential Marketing At Whole Food Earth, we don't sell "miracle oils." We sell the raw, whole seeds and nuts that allow your body to maintain its own delicate chemistry. By shifting your focus from "how much fat" to "which ratio," you move away from the noise of the supplement industry and back to the simplicity of the soil. Restore your balance today. Explore our range of Omega-rich seeds and nuts and start your journey toward a less inflamed, more energised life. The Omega-3 Cheat Sheet: Plant-Based Powerhouses When it comes to Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)—the plant-based precursor to EPA and DHA—not all seeds are created equal. Here is how our top-sellers rank per 100g serving: Product Omega-3 (ALA) Content Key Benefit Best Way to Use Organic Flaxseeds ~22.8g The undisputed king of ALA. Milled: Must be ground to absorb the oils. Organic Chia Seeds ~17.8g High fibre + massive hydration. Soaked: Use in puddings or as an egg replacer. Walnuts ~9.1g Potent brain-supporting fats. Raw: Perfect for snacking or salad toppers. Hemp Seeds ~8.7g The "Golden Ratio" of 3:1 (Omega 6:3). Sprinkled: Add to porridge or smoothies. Pumpkin Seeds ~0.1g Low in O-3, but high in Zinc/Magnesium. Toasted: Great for mineral support. While Flaxseeds have the highest concentration, it is important to remember that they must be milled (ground) for your body to access the Omega-3 oils trapped inside the tough outer shell. Chia seeds, on the other hand, can be eaten whole or soaked. To reach your daily recommended intake of ALA (approx. 1.1g–1.6g for adults), you only need: 1 Tablespoon of Milled Flaxseed OR 1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds OR 3-4 Whole Walnuts Pro-Tip for Freshness Because Omega-3 fatty acids are highly "unsaturated," they are sensitive to light and heat. To keep your seeds from going rancid, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place or even in the fridge once opened.

The best way to make your diet healthier is to cook more at home, and that’s always easier with a well stocked pantry. Whether you’re making elaborate meals or just quick snacks, having an array of whole foods at your disposal is overwhelmingly beneficial. Not only does cooking at home save money, but by opting for whole foods you can avoid all of those nasty additives that are far too dominant in ready meals. In this article we’ll go over some of the best whole foods to keep at hand in your kitchen, how to use them and most importantly their health benefits. 1. Rice, which one to pick and how to cook it perfectly.There are countless varieties of rice out there, so for now we’ll just cover some of our top picks, and some useful tips. The first thing to decide when cooking with rice is whether you want to use long, medium or short grain. Short grain rice (as the name suggests) is smaller than its counterparts, with a starchier texture, like sushi rice for example. Long grain rice, like basmati, on the other hand is longer, thinner and fluffier, making it a good all rounder. Finally medium grain rice fits in between the two, it has the size and shape of long grain rice, but with the texture of short grain rice, making it ideal for savoury creamy recipes like risotto. However, if you’re looking for the healthiest whole food option above all else, your best bet is to go for either long grain brown rice or wild rice. Both brown and wild rice are packed full of fibre, protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals, while also having low to middling glycaemic indexes, making both of them a great source of slow burning energy. Two top tips to cook rice perfectly every time. - It is always best to thoroughly wash your rice before you cook it, not just to remove any unwanted debris but also to remove excess starch. Excess starch is often what gives rice an unpleasant sludge-like texture which can derail an entire meal. - Different ratios of water to rice can drastically alter the texture of your rice, for example when cooking white rice, a ratio of 2:1 (liquid to rice) will produce a softer rice, whereas a ratio of 1:1 will produce a tougher chewier final result. 2. Quinoa, an amazing superfood.Quinoa is an incredible superfood that definitely deserves a place in your pantry, mainly because of its status as a complete protein. The term complete protein refers to a food that contains all 9 amino acids that humans can’t produce on their own. Outside of animal products, complete proteins can be quite hard to come by, making quinoa especially useful for those on plant based or vegan diets. As well as being protein-dense, quinoa is a great source of iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and fibre. How to cook with quinoa.Quinoa is best used as an alternative to rice or couscous, and it is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply add quinoa to a pan with water, bring it to a boil and then simmer for around 15 minutes before draining, then fluff with a fork and enjoy. If you’re stumped and looking for a good place to start, we recommend this easy quinoa and bean salad, packed full of nutrients and great on a hot summer’s day. 3. Nuts, perfect for snacking, baking and cooking.Each nut is different, with their own uses, flavours and all important health benefits, and while we can’t cover all of them here, here are some of our favourites. - Almonds are packed full of healthy fats, protein, fibre and vitamins, making them one of the best nuts to incorporate into your diet. Whether you’re baking with them, using them to make flour or butter, or just snacking on them straight from the bag, they are truly incredible. - Walnuts are an amazing source of omega 3 fatty acids, in particular alpha linoleic acid, which is incredibly important in reducing inflammation and could even lower the risk of heart disease. Walnuts are incredibly versatile and work perfectly in salads, breakfasts, sauces, and of course in baking. - Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of antioxidants you can come by, but they also contain the vital nutrient, selenium. Selenium is crucial for countless bodily functions, including thyroid function and support of the immune system. Brazil nuts can make for a great snack, but they really shine when used in baking, or as a means to really boost the nutritional content of a meal. 4. Seeds, a quick and easy way to make a meal even healthier.Much like nuts, there are obviously too many types of seeds to cover here, so we’ll go through a couple of our best picks. - Pumpkin seeds contain a wide range of antioxidants that make them a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy heart and a good immune system. Raw or roasted, pumpkin seeds can be a delicious snack on their own, or work amazingly as a healthy salad topper. - Sunflower seeds, like walnuts, contain an abundance of fatty acids, in particular the fatty acid linoleic acid. On top of their healthy fat content, sunflower seeds are also rich in protein, magnesium and zinc, making them a great all-rounder. Just like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds work as a snack, in baking or as an ingredient in healthy savoury meals. Why you should stock your pantry with whole foods.These whole food staples we’ve mentioned above are just the start, there are so many more that deserve a place in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for herbs, spices, proteins or fruits, by stocking up on whole foods, you can really give your cooking a significant healthy boost. Not only do whole foods contain far more nutrients than processed foods, they are also the best way to avoid harmful ingredients, while also keeping your bank account healthy at the same time. So don’t hesitate to jump into the world of Whole Foods, you’ll notice the difference in no time.

Protein is obviously one of the most important types of nutrient the body needs, playing countless vital roles in staying healthy, but it can also be hard to get enough to really maximise the benefits, particularly if you're on a plant based diet. Seeds are a severely underrated, but incredible source of protein, but the amounts do vary from seed to seed. In this article we'll explain exactly why protein is so important, what seeds contain the most, and some of their other surprising health benefits. Why protein is so important Protein is a massively important nutrient, and it would be impossible to mention everything it does, but here we'll focus on some of its most important functions. Arguably the most important reason to make sure you're getting enough protein, is because of its importance in building and repairing tissues in the body. As protein helps to build tissue and muscle, it is absolutely vital for growth and development, as well as recovery from injuries. Not having enough protein in your diet can have serious effects on your health, such as muscle loss, fatigue and a massively weakened immune system. The British Heart Foundation recommends the average adult should consume roughly 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight, placing a particular emphasis on consuming plant based proteins (like seeds) in place of red meat and poultry. The 6 highest protein seeds While most seeds do contain protein, these are our picks for the top 6 — here we'll cover their protein content, additional health benefits and how to use them. 6. Sesame seeds — 4.8g of protein per 28g Sesame seeds are a staple ingredient in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and with their protein content they should be a staple in your pantry too. While sesame seeds may not have the most protein on this list, they are incredibly easy to use in your cooking, and have a range of other health benefits that make them worth including in your diet. Sesame seeds are not only high in protein, but also zinc, which is hugely important for maintaining a healthy immune system, wound healing and crucially the synthesis of protein. 5. Flaxseed/Linseed — 5g of protein per 28g Flaxseed (also known as linseed) can come in two varieties — brown or gold — and their nutritional content is typically the same or incredibly similar. Flaxseed is often used as a gluten free substitute for wheat, and contains even more protein. Flaxseed can be ground and turned into flour, sprinkled into smoothies and salads or mixed with water and drank for a quick burst of nutrition. Flaxseed contains a great deal of omega 6 fatty acids, which most seeds do, but it is uniquely high in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is a type of fatty acid that is vital for maintaining healthy skin, while also helping to keep your immune system healthy and lowering cholesterol. It's important as you add flaxseed into your diet that you increase your water consumption too, otherwise you could suffer from some digestive discomfort and dehydration as a result of their high fibre content. 4. Chia seeds — 5g of protein per 28g Chia seeds are one of the most popular superfoods in the world, partly due to their high protein content, but also a variety of other nutrients each with their own health benefits. In particular chia seeds are so highly valued because of their status as a complete protein. The term complete protein refers to an ingredient that contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs but can't produce itself, and obviously comes with countless health benefits because of this. In particular chia seeds are an amazing way to improve your digestion because of their incredibly high fibre content. Similarly chia seeds are surging in popularity as a tool to assist with weight management — this is because when eaten, the fibre forms a gel like texture in your stomach that leaves you feeling fuller for longer. Chia seeds can be soaked in water or sprinkled directly into food, depending on the texture you would like from them; however for optimal nutritional content it is best to soak your chia seeds in order to speed up the rate of digestion and absorption. 3. Sunflower seeds — 7g of protein per 28g Sunflower seeds contain a whopping 7 grams of protein per 28 grams, making them one of the best seeds in terms of protein content, while also remaining incredibly convenient to cook with and snack on. Sunflower seeds can be roasted to really bring out their nutty flavour, and make them a perfect addition to almost any savoury recipe that could do with some additional texture. Sunflower seeds are also high in healthy fats, vitamin E and selenium. Selenium plays a vital role in antioxidant protection, thyroid health and helps to maintain a strong immune system. 2. Pumpkin seeds — 8.5g of protein per 28g Pumpkin seeds contain a huge amount of protein, and are arguably the most convenient seed to incorporate in your diet. Pumpkin seeds are a great snack on their own, but they really start to thrive when used in salads and soups, particularly when combined with other autumnal vegetables. Pumpkin seeds don't just contain a vast amount of protein, but also a great deal of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a massively important part of a healthy lifestyle, primarily for its role in keeping our skin healthy and maintaining strong eyesight. 1. Hemp seeds — 9.5g of protein per 28g Without a doubt hemp seeds are one of the best seeds in terms of protein content alone. Not only do hemp seeds contain a colossal 9.5 grams of protein (per 28 grams), they are also a complete protein, and so they share a lot of the benefits of chia seeds but with even more protein on top. For those that haven't cooked with hemp seeds before they may sound a little intimidating, but this is not the case at all. In reality hemp seeds are quite similar to pumpkin seeds, arguably with even more versatility. Hemp seeds can be added raw into smoothies or porridges, or toasted and added into salads, soups and stews. Dive into the world of seeds now This list mainly focused on which seeds you should eat in regard to protein intake, but the health benefits of seeds don't stop there, and you shouldn't limit yourself to the ones we've mentioned here. To avoid getting bored of the same flavours again and again, it's best to mix up the type of seed you're eating, and how you're using them. If you're stumped and looking for some inspiration, we have a large array of seeds available, and countless recipes that will show you how to use them. Frequently asked questions Which seed has the most protein? Hemp seeds top the list with 9.5g of protein per 28g serving — the highest of any common edible seed. Pumpkin seeds come second at 8.5g, followed by sunflower (7g), chia (5g), flaxseed (5g) and sesame (4.8g). How much protein is in chia seeds vs hemp seeds? Hemp seeds contain 9.5g of protein per 28g, while chia seeds contain 5g per 28g — so hemp has almost double the protein. Both are complete proteins, meaning both contain all nine essential amino acids. Are seeds a complete protein? Two seeds are complete proteins: chia and hemp. Both contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs but can't produce. Other seeds like pumpkin and sunflower are high in protein but not complete on their own — combine them with grains or legumes to fill the gap. Can seeds replace meat as a protein source? Yes, seeds can be a meaningful protein source in a plant-based diet, but you'll need variety. Hemp and chia are complete proteins, and combining seeds with legumes, grains and nuts ensures you hit your daily protein needs without relying on meat. How many seeds should I eat per day for protein? Most adults benefit from 1–2 tablespoons (15–28g) of mixed seeds per day. The British Heart Foundation recommends 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight daily; seeds can comfortably contribute a third of that target in a balanced diet.

What is Linseed? What is Flaxseed? Linseed (which also goes by the name Flaxseed) is the small seed which comes from the flax plant, also known as Linum usitatissimum. It usually comes in two varieties, Brown Linseed and Golden Linseed, which as you might’ve guessed is due to their colour. People may claim that one is better for you than the other, but there is very little nutritional difference between the two. Linseed is generally sold either as whole seeds or ground into a coarse powder, it also comes in the form of an oil. Whilst you can consume them either way, most experts recommend the ground form as it is much easier for the body to digest. Whole Linseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you might not receive all the nutritional benefits. A long time before Linseed was the super food we know it as today, its primary use was actually to make textiles, such as clothing. Linseed oil is still used today for a variation of other things such as wood finish, linoleum, oil paint and even moisturiser. For even more background on Linseed, please take a look at our previous article What is Linseed. But we’re here today to talk to you about the good stuff - Food! Adding Linseed to Your Diet There is a wide variety of ways you can include Linseed in your diet. It can be added to food or taken as a daily supplement. It’s an easy food to include as neither Whole nor Ground Linseeds need to be cooked before being eaten. Linseed is mild in taste, in fact a lot of people find it rather neutral, but it does vary slightly depending on which variety you go for. Brown Linseed has a deeper, earthy, nutty flavour, whereas Golden Linseed is slightly lighter in taste and nuttier in flavour. Ground Linseed also tends to be richer in flavour compared to Whole Linseed, as the grinding process releases more of the oils. Due to the subtle taste, you can sprinkle Linseed on pretty much anything! If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate it daily, why not try putting a dusting on top on your morning porridge, cereal, or yoghurt. It can even be used to make tea! Linseed is also an impressive binding agent due to its oil content. It can also be used as a replacement for flour. From cookies and muffins to bread and pancakes - Linseed can help make them all! So, for any vegans, coeliacs or people on a plant-based diet, Linseed could be the perfect answer for your baking needs. For more details on how to bake with this healthy superfood, look no further than Baking With Linseed Linseed Oil can be mixed with other oils to make dressings or vinaigrettes for salads and vegetables. Much like the Ground Linseed it can also be added to soups, mixed into smoothies, and used to make hummus. Just make sure that you have at least 150ml of fluid per tablespoon of Linseeds taken. This is due to the high content of fibre in Linseed. Increasing fibre in your diet means you should also increase your water intake to counterbalance it. You could even add a tablespoon of Linseed into your water, or any other type of drink you prefer, and take it that way! Health Benefits of Linseed If you’re looking for a food source that is full of nutritional benefits - then look no further! There’s good reason Linseed is classed as a superfood. Though small, they are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, protein, lignans and fibre, which have all been proved to have many potential health benefits. If you don’t eat fish or are on a plant-based diet, Linseed is a great source to get in your omega-3 fats. ALA is one of the two essential fatty acids that your body does not produce naturally so it needs to be obtained from the food we eat. ALA fatty acids are linked to a lower risk of stroke and have been proven to have heart health benefits. Linseeds actually contain up to 800 times more lignans than other types of plant food. Lignans are plant compounds that have antioxidant and oestrogen properties, these can both aid in lowering the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and improve health overall. Due to the high amount of fibre in Linseed, people suffering with digestion issues, may benefit from eating it regularly. Their impressive fibre content works as a natural laxative and promotes regular bowel movements. Fibre can also help with weight management, as it helps you to feel fuller for longer. Linseed is also a great addition to your diet if you want to help keep your skin healthy. As they contain a high amount of oil, it can in turn boost the production of your body's natural oil, keeping skin soft, moisturised, and hydrated. As stated earlier, it is suggested to opt for Ground Linseed rather than Whole Linseed. You may not reap as many benefits from eating them whole, as your intestines cannot always break down the tough outer shell of the seeds. However, you can always grind Whole Linseed yourself using a blender or food processer. If we’ve convinced you to try it out, then look no further than our range of Linseed right here at Wholefood Earth.