one green planet
one green planet

2. Flax Seed

Flax seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.These seeds have been linked to the prevention of heart disease, as well as the suppression of cancer, especially hormone-related breast and prostate cancers.  Flax seeds contain a special phytonutrient called lignan, an antioxidant with hormone-mimicking properties, which is thought to be the reason behind the lower risk of these hormone-related cancers. Make sure you are always consuming ground flax, either buying it already ground or grinding it yourself, because your body cannot digest whole flax seeds.

Flax USA Organic Cold-Milled Ground Golden Flax Seed
milled flax

The process of grinding flax seeds typically creates heat, which destroys some of the nutrients, especially the essential fatty acids.  Flax USA uses a cold-milling processes that helps to preserve these nutrients.  Their flax is organic and one serving contains 2.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, 3 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber.

 

Barlean’s Organic Flax Oil
flax oil

Flax oil is another great smoothie addition, especially if you want the heart-healthy benefits of flax without the added texture of ground flax seeds.  Barlean’s offers an organic, unfiltered, unrefined flax oil that is cold-pressed, which helps it retain its nutrients.  This product is great for a boost of heart-healthy omega-3’s and antioxidants, including lignans.