Flax Seeds For Well Being

Flax seed is very high in Lignans, alpha linolenic acid, & is a key player in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.

Flax seed is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Flax seed is also very good source of fibre. It is high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. One ounce of flax provides 32% of the USDA’s reference daily intake of fibre.

Health Benefits:

·         Fights cholesterol.

·         Decreases blood sugar levels.

·         Prevents & decreases risk of cancer.

·         Prevents constipation.

·         Fights inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties thus helps patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

·         Fights menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and irritability. Flax is a phytoestrogen, an estrogen like substance found in plants.

·         Fights heart diseases. It reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides.

·         Builds immunity.

·         Fights “The Blues”. Flax has Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), which is a mood boosting compound, thus helps in fighting depression.

·         My friends say it’s good for hair growth & skin too :)

Ways to get Flax into Your Diet:

·         Sprinkle on your yogurt, salad, fruits, smoothies & shakes etc.

·         Mix it into pancake or muffin batter, or other baked goods (you'll probably need to add a little more water).

·         Take ½ a tsp in the morning with water. (that’s what I do).

·         Light roast it & mix with your After Mints.

 Remember Flax seed is very high in fibre. Drink lots of fluid while eating flax.

Fig & Walnut Smoothie

Super healthy & super easy smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup curds

4 tbsp honey

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

4 fresh figs or 4 dried figs soaked in hot water

5-6 walnuts

Fresh figs & roasted walnuts for garnish

Method

Fill blender jar with 4 cubes of crushed ice.

Add all the ingredients & blend it until it is well blended.

Pour it in glasses, garnish & serve.

Tips

Add little water while blending if you find it too thick.

Nachos with Salsa & Cheese Dip

The Corn Chips or Nachos are baked & made with minimal oil instead of the traditional Mexican Chips or Tortillas which are deep fried.

Ingredients

For Corn Chips
1 cup maize flour (makai ka atta)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
1 tsp oil
salt to taste
plain flour (maida) for dusting

For Salsa

1 cup deseeded and chopped tomatoes

1 spring onion, chopped

1 tbsp finely chopped capsicum

2 tbsp finely chopped corriander (dhania)

1 green chilli, finely chopped

1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder

1/4 tsp fresh oregano

salt to taste

For Cheese Dip

3/4 cup grated cooking cheese
2 tbsp milk

Method

For Corn Chips

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and knead into a soft dough using warm water.

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.

Roll out each portion into a thin circle of 175 mm. (7") diameter. Dust the tortillas generously with flour to make the rolling easier.

Cut each tortilla into 6 triangular pieces.

Place the tortilla pieces in a single layer on a non-stick baking tray.

Bake at 190°C for 7 to 8 minutes or until the tortilla chips are crisp and lightly browned.

Cool and store in an air-tight container.

For Salsa

Combine all the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours.

Mash the salsa slightly to make it like a sauce.

For Cheese Dip

Mix the cheese, milk and 1 tablespoon of water and cook on a slow flame until the cheese melts.

How to proceed

First Method

Arrange Chips and dips in different serving dishes & serve.

Second Method

Arrange the corn chips on a plate and spread the salsa dip on top. Next spread the Cheese dip on top. Grill for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles. Serve hot.

Tips

If you like it spicy then spread a few pickle jalapenos on top in second method

Choco-Lava Cake with Cherry filling

Kids love it and you will love making it again & again :)

Ingredients

1 cup maida

¼ cup Choco chips

¼ cup chopped glazed cherries

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¾ cup curds

1 cup milk

6 tbsp cocoa powder

¾ cup powder sugar

½ cup butter

Few drops vanilla essence

Method

Mix together choco chips & cherries. Keep aside

Sieve flour, baking powder, baking soda & cocoa powder. Keep aside.

Beat together butter, sugar & curd. Add vanilla.

Add flour & milk alternately & mix well.

Fill the cup cake moulds half with batter.

Put 1 tbsp of choco chip & cherry mix.

Pour more batter & cover the choco chip mix.

Bake at 180◦C for 10 to 15 mins.

Tips

If you want flowing lava, add more choco chips.

This tastes better if served warm.