Omega 3 Podi (Flax Powder)

Benefits of flax seed : 1. lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. 2. flax seed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. 3. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack. 4.lignan(Fiber) in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. 5.Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines. Ingredients: 1 cup flax seeds (Linseed) 10-12 curry leaves 6-8 dried red chillies 3-4 garlic pods Asafoetida Salt to taste Method : In a toaster oven place the seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies at 250 degrees for 10-12 minutes. You will get the nutty roasted aroma. Cool for 15 minutes and grind the seeds to the consistency of cornmeal in a coffee grinder. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for one month. Note: You can fry it in the pan, using gas stove.Fry chillies, then fry the flax seeds till they get crackling (similar to til or sesame seeds)then fry asafoetida, curry leaves and garlic.Mix salt , after you grind the powder. Hints: (1)Mix 1 tablespoon flax powder to 2 tablespoons cream cheese to make a delicious and nutritious spread for bagels. (2) Use this flax powder as a side dish , mixed with oil for idli, dosai like idli podi. (3)Can be mix with rice and gee. Taste like paruppu podi. (4)Can be used for Pizza topping too.Sprinkle this powder while serve. There are a few things one needs to bear in mind while using flax seeds . (Flax oil, as such, is not easily available in India). (1)Avoid eating flax seeds whole. They have the nasty habit of leaving your body in the same condition they came in. (2)Flax seeds, contain a substance called cyanate, which can be harmful to the body in larger quantities. (3)Ideally , one should grind the roasted flax seeds, This is easily done in a grinder. The recommended amount per day, is about 1-2 tablespoons. (4)People who suffer from constipation, may find these a useful change. Conversely, those whose intestines go into peristalsis at the slightest excitement, may find that they need to take a lesser daily quantity. (In case you are wonderingwhat I am saying, it means that overindulgence in these may cause increased trips to the toilet).