Homegrown Superfoods: Trending Towards Local Protein and Flaxseeds
Essential Nutrients: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It's all about the local produce! Forget about the pricey Brazilian acai or the overpriced chia seeds. A new league of superfoods is making waves, and protein is joining the ranks. But that's not all you might find in your backyard — flaxseed, a humble, blue-tinted seed, is gaining attention for its impressive nutritional profile. Investigative food journalist Hans-Ulrich Grimm, author of "The Soup Lies", "The Bio Bluff", and "The Calorie Lie", dives deep into flaxseed's benefits in his book "Happy with Linseed Oil: The Blue Nutritional Wonder."
Flaxseed is worth the spotlight due to its rich omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It's particularly relevant to the "silent inflammations" that can gradually damage the heart, circulatory system, and immune system, as well as prompt extensive harm to organs over time. Since our bodies can't produce omega-3 fatty acids, we must turn to food or supplements to get our fix.
Looking Beyond Chia Seeds
In the superfood battles, it's clear that chia seeds lag behind flaxseeds in terms of omega-3 content. Despite both seeds sharing a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds pack a more potent punch, offering 23 grams per 100 grams compared to chia seeds' 17 grams. To make things even better, flaxseed is domestically grown, making it environmentally friendly and budget-friendly compared to the precious chia. Interestingly, both seeds share almost equal amounts of omega-6 fatty acids per serving size.
A major part of flaxseed's fame comes from being the foundation for the classic dish of boiled potatoes with linseed oil and quark. But if you're curious about linseed oil's omega-3 content, there's some debate. However, it's safe to say that there are around 50 grams of alpha-linolenic acids, a type of omega-3, in every 100 grams of organic quality linseed oil. Unfortunately, the human body can only absorb 5 percent of the omega-3s from flaxseed and nuts.
Finding Omega-3 Sources Without Turning to Fish
For vegans, the attraction of fish for their omega-3 needs is off the menu. That's where algae discreetly enter the scene as a suitable alternative for vegans. Whether due to religious observance or personal preference, some people may find dietary supplements preferable or necessary. Provided that it's sourced from reputable, certified suppliers, supplementation can be advantageous, especially for those who struggle to consume the required 300 grams of fatty fish for an adequate omega-3 intake.
- The trend in superfoods extends beyond chia seeds, as flaxseeds, with their high omega-3 content, are gaining attention in health-and-wellness circles.
- Flaxseeds, rich in science-backed nutrients, can provide significant benefits for fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts, especially due to their anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
- Environmental-science advocates praise flaxseeds for their sustainability, as they are domestically grown, making them a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice compared to other superfoods.
- In the realm of nutritional alternatives, flaxseed oil leans towards a higher omega-3 content compared to fish, making it a potential option for those following a vegan lifestyle or opting for supplements to meet their daily omega-3 requirements.
