Even though it’s so small, flaxseed (or linseed) has multiple benefits for our health like lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, lowering bone mass loss and other.   Specifically, it is high in:

• Vitamins and minerals, including most vitamins in the B complex, magnesium and manganese.
• Fiber
• Omega-3 fatty acids, the key to fighting inflammation.

  Benefits of Flax seed: Flaxseed can:

• Lowers the level of cholesterol and sugar in the blood.
• Helps with managing body weight. When you consume flax seed, it can give you the feeling of fullness. So, by eating flaxseed 30 minutes before a meal we can control our appetite.
• Helps improve the health of our digestive system.
• Increases immunity. Recent research shows that flaxseed can help with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and lupus.

  For most healthy adults 1 tablespoon a day is recommended, but for children not more than ¼ of a teaspoon a day. Because flaxseed is rich in fiber, start adding it to you diet in small quantities which you can increase slowly. 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed has about 36 calories whereas 1 tablespoon of whole flaxseed has about 50 calories. The whole flaxseed can be maintained at room temperature for more than a year. Ground flaxseed should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and can last for about 90 days.

How to consume it:

• Add flaxseed to your cereal or your oatmeal for breakfast.
• Mix flaxseed in your juice or smoothies.
• Sprinkle it in your salads or soups.
• Mix 1 table spoon of ground flaxseed in your yoghurt.
• Add it in your sauces.
• Rice cakes with flaxseed.

Source: Natalia Ntelikou Mpenetou, clinical dietitian/nutritionist.

We suggest you try the rice cakes by Benlian Flax & Sunflower which you can easily enjoy in many combinations, such as spreading peanut butter on them, yoghurt or fruit and they only have 34 calories per rice cake! Benlian Rice Cakes, Flax & Sunflower are the only ones in the Cypriot market! They are made with brown rice, are gluten free and are low in calories. They help maintain your figure in the most enjoyable way! This way, you can enjoy delicious snacks nutritionally strengthening your system and your immune system. With a little imagination, your favourite ingredients and the delicious Rice Cakes by Benlian you can make your own great creations that will delight everyone.

You can find Benlian Rice Cakes in another 4 delicious flavours, Sesame/Salt, Popcorn, Chia/Quinoa and Natural.