Is it a good idea to put flaxseed in coffee? Jump into our article and find out if you can add flaxseed to your coffee and the best way to do it.
Have you ever thought about adding flaxseed to your coffee?
Maybe you wanted to but weren’t sure how to go about it.
Don’t worry. I did the research, so you don’t have to.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to add flaxseed to coffee, and why you should do it!
Let’s jump in!
Should You Add Flaxseed to Your Coffee?
Absolutely!
Flax seeds are super quick and easy to incorporate into your diet.
Why not combine flaxseed with your coffee, which already has a bunch of health benefits, to make an even more nutritious drink?
That sounds like a good deal, right?
Adding flaxseed may slightly change the flavor profile of your coffee, and add a subtle nutty flavor with a slightly gritty texture.
If you’re not sure if it’s for you, why not try adding a little bit to start with?
You can even ease into it by sprinkling it on other foods. It can be added to almost anything; cereal, baked goods, smoothies, and even meat or veggie patties!
NOTE
You’ll get the most of the health benefits of flax seeds by grinding them. It’s difficult for your body to digest whole flax seeds since the outer shell is hard for our intestines to break down. And that’s the same kinda flaxseed we need if we’re going to be adding it to coffee.
Now, stay with me because I will give you the main reasons why you should put flaxseed in coffee.
Benefits of Coffee With Flaxseed
There’s a reason why flax seeds are a superfood.
These small oil seeds are packed with healthy fats, fiber, proteins, and other essential vitamins and nutrients that your body will love you for!
They’ve been shown to have lots of benefits, like improving digestion and helping with weight loss. Studies have shown that they even lower the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Let’s dig deeper into the health benefits of flaxseed.
Help reduce the risk of several diseases
Omega 3 fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are vital for the body, and they help in lowering blood pressure and inflammation.
Did you know that ALA can only be found in plant food? Flax seeds contain 75 to 800 times more lignans than other foods!
Studies have shown that flax seeds help reduce the risk of several diseases. Some of these include:
- heart disease
- heart attacks
- stroke
- diabetes
- chronic kidney disease. This is due to the high content of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber in flax seeds.
Amazing, right?
Helps weight loss
Consuming flax seeds may be a helpful tool for weight loss!
They are loaded with soluble dietary fiber, which has been shown to help reduce hunger and cravings and can aid weight loss.
Fiber also helps in preventing constipation by keeping you regular. This reduces bloating and contributes to having a flatter stomach.
Of course, you may want to also exercise and eat a healthy diet for the best results.
Improve digestive health
Get this.
Studies claim that around 12-19% of the population in the United States experience constipation, and 2 -7% experience chronic diarrhea.
That’s a lot, right?
Well, studies have shown that flax seeds help prevent both of these issues due to the high content of insoluble fiber.
NOTE
Just 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 8% of your daily fiber intake!
How to Put Flaxseed in Coffee
Here’s the thing:
Whole flaxseed won’t just dissolve in your cup of joe. If not done correctly, they could sink to the bottom or end up lumpy.
That’s why I suggest getting your hands on ground flax seeds.
Or, you can grind flax seeds yourself.
You can use a cheap coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, blender, or even a mortar and pestle if you have one lying around.
Here’s how it works:
Once you have your flaxseed powder, you’ll want to mix it with water to make a thick paste, making sure to whisk away any lumps.
Once smooth, you can stir it in with your coffee or cold brew.
But if you drink milky coffee, I think you’ll get the best results from mixing them in with milk or some heavy cream. This way, the flax seeds are more likely to sit on top instead of sinking to the bottom of the cup.
Hey, you could even sprinkle it on top of your coffee!
TIP
You may want to grind only what you’re going to use because once ground, flax seeds only last up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container. A rule of thumb is that they should taste nutty. If they start to taste bitter, then they are probably rancid.
My recipe for Cold Brew banana smoothie with flaxseed
Not sure where to start with adding flaxseed to your coffee?
Give my recipe a try!
Ingredients
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed – (whole or ground)
- 1 cup ice
- 2-3 oz concentrated cold brew coffee (or use 2 teaspoons instant coffee)
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
FAQ
Have some last-minute questions about flaxseed? Keep reading, and you will get your answers.
Does heat destroy flaxseed?
Heating flaxseed does not destroy most of the nutrients. Protein may be broken down by heat, but this only makes it easier for your body to digest.
While lignins, fiber, and ALA remain stable when heated at high temperatures, thiamin may be affected.
How much flaxseed should I take daily?
There are no specific guidelines on how much flaxseed you should consume.
However, most studies show that eating 30 grams per day is considered enough to see health benefits without consuming too many calories.
Who should not eat flax seeds?
Flax seeds can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking hormone therapy, you may want to speak to your doctor before adding flax seeds to your diet.
Flaxseed intake may also interfere with medications like blood thinners, or affect blood clotting. That’s why it’s best to avoid them up to two weeks before any surgeries.
Final Thoughts
With all that in mind, should you put flaxseed in your coffee?
Definitely!
The health benefits of flax seeds are vast, and it takes little effort to add them to your coffee.
And who knows, you may even prefer the nutty flavor and aroma!
But let’s say you’ve given them a go and prefer your traditional cup of coffee.
Don’t worry, you can still reap the fantastic health benefits of flax seeds by adding them to other drinks and foods.
Still feeling experimental? Check out our article on how you can put vanilla extract in coffee!
