Flax seeds

Agasi in kannada,

Alsi in Hindi,

Ali vidai in Tamil,

Avise ginzal in Telugu, Cheruchana vithu in Malayalam and also known as linseeds.

Ø Flax seed chutney - can be grinded along with red chillies, garlic and salt

Ø Flax seed podi - Roast ½ cup separately and grind with roasted ½ tbsp of Bengal gram, 2 tbsp of black gram dal, 1tbsp of Coriander seeds and cumin along with 8-10 red chillis with garlic.

Ø Avoid using it whole. Roast the seed and after it cracks, grind it.

Ø High fiber food – so start slowly with 1 tbsp of grounded flax seeds and gradually increase to 2 to 4 tbsp for a day.

Ø Drink plenty of water. ( 8 cups appro.)

Ø Grounded can be used along with all flours – while making chapatis, dosas or idlis, to boost the nutritional value.

Ø Some cooks suggest to use it in baking too – esp., as a replacement of egg.

l High content Omega- 3 fat in flax seed, is a boon for bone protection esp., vegetarians.

l Reduces blood clot, reducing the risk of heart diseases, strokes, arthritis, asthma and diabetes.

l Flax also produce flexible cell membrane – that acts as our gatekeeper allowing needed nutrients, while eliminating the wastes.

l High Fiber lowering cholestrol levels.