Healthy B.P.M.

Suppose I told you that there was a food that fights:

1. Cholesterol
2. Diabetes
3. Cancer
4. Constipation

And that this wonder food helps with: Inflammation , the blues, and
menopausal Symptoms.

And it: supports the immune system

You’d want to know what it is, if it’s safe and where can you get it, right?
This wonder food is actually a tiny and sometimes annoying seed; Flax.

Flax is very high in lignans, which are natural compounds that help prevent many types of cancer, such as breast, colon and prostate cancer. It’s a type of anti-oxidant and it’s super high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Flax is a natural food that with noticeable health benefits, namely Omega 3’s. It is recognized as one of the richest sources of essential fatty acids. Our bodies can’t make Omega-3, it must be consumed as part of our daily diet.

Moderately include flax seed in your diet. Indeed, a lot of food products contain flax seed such as bread, cereal and bakery goods. Bakers may use flax seed flour or include flax seed in baking.

Ways to include flax seed in cooking:

• Sprinkle ground flax seed on your cereal and salads.
• Substitute flax seed oil for other oils
• Include in other recipes where a nutty flavor is preferred

As great as the benefits are there are people who should not eat flax seed.
The Natural Standard Research Collaboration cautions the following individuals to check with their primary care physician before ingesting flax. Individuals with bleeding disorders and type 2 diabetes, pregnant women and women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis, as well as men at risk of prostate cancer.

Bumble Bars
Always on the look out for more ways to keep you informed I’ve discovered an energy bar filled to the max with this incredible little seed. It’s called the Bumble Bar. Bumble Bars are gluten-free, wheat free, dairy free, and certified organic by the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture. The primary ingredients in are sesame and flax seed. 1 Bumble Bar contains ½ Tablespoon of Flax.
The original bar contains sesame seeds, brown rice syrup evaporated cane syrup, peanuts flax seeds, vanilla extract , and cinnamon; all organic. Here are some of the other flavors:

• Chocolate Crisp
• Chai with Almond
• Original Flavor with Cashew
• Original Flavor with Mixed Nuts
• Original Flavor with Hazelnut
• Awesome Apricot
• Lushus Lemon
• Tasty Tropical
• Chocolate Cherry, Chunky Cherry

Now about the taste…..Not bad. Most energy bars are nothing more than glorified candy bars, but these aren’t too sweet and don’t have that sawdust like consistency prevalent bars. There are lots of seeds and you may find a couple stuck in your teeth, but no big deal. I was impressed with the taste, the service, and the fact that they only make 154 bars at a time.

Bumble Bars have been around since 1995 and are the brainchild of Liz Ward. An avid hiker, Liz spent lots of time outside and developed the bar as a healthy snack and dessert alternative and also to do her part to preserve the planet. Please check them out online at www.bumblebar.com