Is Flax Meal Low Carb?

Low Carb Flax Meal and Why It’s GOOD For You

Heard of flax meal (or flaxseed meal) but unsure of why it’s good for you? We’ve done the research for you! Flax meal is grounded flaxseeds (or linseeds), the form left from crushing the seeds for their oil. Leaving only 10% of the original oil, flax meal is gluten free and rich in protein, fibres and lignans, all beneficial for your body.

Well known for its versatility, flax meal makes for a great ingredient addition to your baking creations due to its nutritious goodness and mild nutty flavour. Let’s discover what makes flax meal so good for you!

What is Flax Meal?

Flax meal, or ground flaxseeds, is grounded linseeds, the form left from extracting its oil. As we explained in our previous article, linseeds and flaxseeds are interchangeable names as they are both the same! In comparison to linseeds, the best way to yield the most nutritional value is actually through flax meal rather than whole seeds. With rising popularity, flax meal can be conveniently found at the supermarket and health food stores.

What are the benefits of Flax Meal?

Like linseeds, flax meal is a nutrient-dense food containing Omega 3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants called lignans. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and help protect the heart and blood vessels from disease. Flax meal is also a rich source of (gluten-free) dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Wait, we’re not finished! Or better yet, these seeds aren’t finished! Flax meal is a high protein, low carb whole food. Its extensive nutritional profile is associated with many health benefits.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Flax meal is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids such as linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids. Studies have shown that a diet high in alpha-linolenic acids (ALA) lowers cholesterol and prevents the build-up of harmful deposits in the arteries. Increasing your ALA intake has also been linked to decreasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Aids in Digestive Health

Flax meal stands out among the rest of other whole grains and fibre sources due to its high fibre content, both soluble and insoluble. Generous in both qualities, your body converts these dietary fibres into beneficial phytoestrogens for your body. The fibre in flax meal forms a thick gel-like consistency in your stomach and slows down the rate at which digestive enzymes turn carbs into sugar. This keeps you feeling fuller for longer, making it beneficial for those with diabetes or looking to reduce sugar cravings.

Relieve Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms

Flax meal contains high levels of natural antioxidants called lignans. In fact, linseeds, which flax meal is made of, has at least 7 times more lignans than any other plant food. Thanks to Omega 3 fatty acids and lignans, flax meal can relieve or eliminate PMS symptoms. This helps the body to become less sensitive to the fluctuations of hormones associated with PMS symptoms and provide a greater feeling of calm. This is created by preventing the release of excess toxic biochemicals that the body produces when under stress.

How can I include Flax Meal in my diet?

Flax meal is a great ingredient as it can accommodate a wide range of diets – it’s gluten free, vegetarian/vegan friendly and ketogenic. With a mild, nutty flavour, it’s a great addition to your baking creations. Think of pancakes, muffins and puddings, just to name a few. For us, we love using this in our Low Carb Porridge which is a quick and delicious breakfast option!

You can easily make flax meal by using a blender, food processor or a mortar and pestle for smaller amounts. It is generally advised not to consume raw or unripe linseeds as they may cause stomach pain or indigestion in some people. When linseeds have an off-putting sour odour, it’s time to throw them out.

What products do we use Flax Meal in?

With the same impressive nutritional profile as linseeds, flax meal is well known for its versatility in cooking and baking. Many of our products also include linseeds and/or flax meal to ensure you’re getting the best nutrients for your body!

Protein Pizza Mix

Original Protein Bread

Protein 6 Seeds Mix

Low Carb Sunflower & Linseed Bread Mix

Protein Pancakes

If you have any questions regarding any of these products, simply contact us via our online form, call us on 02 9558 3300, or email hello@lovepbco.com.

Where does our Flax Meal come from?

At PBCo, choosing ingredients for our products is an important decision for us, and we make sure we only source ingredients that we would eat ourselves. Where possible, our ingredients are proudly Australian sourced, and our Golden Flax Meal is no different. Sourced directly from farmers in southwest Victoria, our Golden Flax Meal is cold-pressed and processed at low temperatures to preserve the nutritional value of the flaxseed.

Golden flaxseeds are a natural plant-based source of protein, and high in dietary fibre, Omega 3 and 6 fats, which aid in healthy digestion, blood sugar control and weight management. Macros of our Golden Flax Meal are 37% protein, 5% carbs and 14% fats.

We chose Australian Golden Flax Meal for our products for the following reasons:

• The golden flaxseeds are grown without any chemicals including pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilisers
• Australian Golden Flax Meal is processed at low temperatures, allowing for the preservation of good Omega 3 and 6 fats within the flax meal. This is unlike milled linseed where the processing can lead to the removal of these healthy fats.
• Australian Golden Flax Meal allows the body to easily absorb the nutritional benefits of the flax seeds
• All natural and GMO free
• Our Golden Flax Meal supports Australian farmers

Want to find more Low Carb ingredients?

We’ve delved into the nutritional and health benefits of low carb flax meal, but this is not the end! There are loads of other low carb ingredients which can cater to your specific diet. They’re just as nutritious and versatile, so read on to discover other nutrient-dense, low carb foods!

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a great substitution to traditional wheat flour and is gluten-free, ketogenic and paleo-friendly. With high fibre, protein and healthy fats, coconut flour aids in digestive health, metabolism and weight management. Did we mention that it’s also low carb, low in sugar and calories?!

Faba Protein

Did you know that Faba protein is a plant-based protein powder made from fava beans, also known as broad beans? It has become a common alternative to whey protein and is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin K and magnesium. Faba protein is associated with many health benefits such as the reduced risk of heart disease and good bone health.