For Our Plates and Palates

Nowadays, we keep on hearing about power food or health food, though I doubt whether many who use these smart jargons have a clear idea about what can quantify as power food or health food. Power foods contain some magical nutrients, which have made them the hot new superstars on the health horizon.

You can get these nutrients from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, etc. And you do not need to go far away seeking them. The secret to youthful skin, healthy bones and disease prevention can be found in your kitchen itself. However, you need to have the power of information to know about the different benefits of these magical nutrients. It is likely that even if you are diligent about your diet, you are likely to fall short of some critical nutrients called the micronutrients and antioxidants.

Though popping a pill is an option but there is nothing better than getting your daily dose of healthy nutrients from food. Here is some relevant information for some of the wonderful power foods, which are spruced with a spate of healthy nutrients.

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum), also known as common flax or linseeds, are small oilseeds that originated in the MiddleEast, thousands of years ago. They are nutty seeds, which have an earthy aroma. Lately, they have been gaining popularity as power food.

This is due to their high content of heart-healthy omega-3, rich fiber content, and other unique plant compounds. A tablespoon of flaxseed is all that is needed to provide the recommend dose of omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammations, heart diseases and obesity, which has made the ancient flaxseed become our miracle food in this post-modern age.

However, there is a lot of debate on how to consume flaxseeds. It is true that flaxseeds, when not chewed properly, can go undigested, thereby getting flushed out of your system. Hence ground or milled flaxseed is a better choice or opt for flaxseed oil in your cooking. Add a teaspoon or two of flaxseeds in your salad or breakfast cereal or add to your raita, or even toss your salads with flaxseed oil.

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