Blue Dog’s Blog

Flax has been cultivated for its fiber and seeds since 3000 BCE. Charlemagne passed laws requiring its consumption because it was considered to be so healthy. And with good reason, too, it turns out. Flax contains high levels of lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, the health benefits of which include:

• Reducing inflammation in illnesses such as asthma, arthritis, and migraines
• Promoting bone health by helping to prevent excessive bone turnover
• Reducing the formation of blood clots which potentially reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke for those at risk
• Reducing the risk for colon, prostate and breast cancers
• Lowering blood pressure
• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Relieving constipation
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels in diabetics
• Preventing the blood vessel spasm that leads to migraine attacks
• Promoting relaxation and restores normal sleep patterns
• Reducing the severity of asthma by keeping airways relaxed and open
• Improving chances of conception for those women trying to get pregnant
• Restoring hormonal balance in perimenopausal women
• Lowering the risk of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

I’ve made it part of my daily breakfast (see below) and even if it didn’t help with the above, it’s filling and tastes great.

Loom Knitting

When loom knitting with flax yarn, remember to knit loosely because the yarn has little elasticity. It is a not a yarn for beginners to knit with. For intermediate to advanced knitters, remember to follow the guidelines for good loom knitting habits on Loom Knitting Help and you will have a much easier time knitting with this yarn.

Becky’s Breakfast Granola

Most store-bought granolas are not good for you because of the amount of added sugar and hydrogenated fats. My granola has no added fat and the sugar used, agave syrup, has a lower glycemic index and load than most sweeteners on the market. Even so, the agave syrup can be omitted if you’d prefer. While this breakfast is not low in calories, it is high in protein and fiber. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids which has the many wonderful health benefits noted above. If you are not used to eating a high fiber diet, you should begin to incorporate flaxseed into your diet 1 teaspoon at a time to avoid flatulence and bloating. Be sure to drink enough water during the day (6-8 cups).

We can all feel the price of foods squeezing our wallet. A recent study done at the University of Washington confirms that the cost of healthy foods has skyrocketed compared to junk foods. The cost of organic foods is even higher so many people have become smart about which ones they purchase. The grains, nuts and some fruits listed below are on the list of foods to consider purchasing as organic because they are loaded with pesticides. Please keep this in mind when preparing the granola.

I make my granola in a dehydrator but you can spread it out on cookie sheets and bake it in the oven as well. Be sure to store your granola in the refrigerator once it’s done.

This granola tastes great with soymilk.

14 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 1 cup oat bran
• 1 cup chopped deglet noor dates
• ½ cup organic raw blue agave syrup
• Flaxseed

Optional:

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• &fract12; cup each of other dried fruits

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the oats, wheat germ and oat bran together.
2. Heat the agave syrup in the microwave for 30 seconds and pour over the grain mixture. Mix well. Lumps will form as you mix.
3. Add the chopped dates and other optional ingredients. Mix well.
4. Spoon the mixture onto the dehydrator trays.
5. Set the dehydrator to 145º and keep it on for 2-7 hours.
6. Put in the glass or plastic container and store in the refrigerator.
7. Serve with 2-4 T of ground flaxseed.

If you go through the granola quickly, you can add the ground flaxseed before putting the container in the refrigerator. Ground flaxseed goes rancid quickly though so it’s recommended to add it at the time you eat it.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 serving (1/2 cup granola + 2T ground flaxseed)
Calories	339.43 kcal
Protein	9.43 g
Carbohydrates	37.18 g
Sugar	8.45 g
Fat, total	12.86 g
Saturated	1.00 g
Monounsaturated	1.79 g
Polyunsaturated	5.28 g
Fiber	8.78 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Iron	3.08 mg
Sodium	6.21 mg
Calcium	70.71 mg