Recipe Weekend: Linwoods Ground Flaxseed (product review and giveaway)

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received these products, free of charge, from Linwoods, via Christie Communications,  for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about them.

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There are times when it is hard to eat healthy, to get the nutrients we need and importantly, the energy our bodies need. So when I heard about a product that fulfills all of those requirements in a small portable packet, I was very interested in checking it out!.

linwoods logo

The Linwoods brand was founded in 1985 in Ireland, with the goal of delivering fresh, great tasting, quality products to their customers. From using the best quality and blend of ingredients, to making products that meet their own high quality standards.In 2003 Linwoods began their interest in Flaxseed and healthy super food products, to supplement their bakery and dairy items, and to meet their consumers changing needs. Today Linwoods produces a range of healthy super food combinations, many of which contain Milled Organic Flaxseed, in a convenient, easy and quick packet, to gain a wide range of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in your diet. 


Super foods are known as functional foods- foods that delivers a structural, or functional benefit. The Lindwoods Super Foods product line offers you a wide variety of health benefits due to the vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids,  that are found naturally in these foods. When used daily, they may help maintain a healthy heart, boost your energy and support a well-balanced diet and active lifestyle.






Why are they so good for you?
1. Linwoods potent dietary fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fat levels help maintain a healthy body weight and sustain normal blood sugar levels while curbing hunger pangs. A 2010 study in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that Flaxseed may help reduce belly fat. The reason is flax’s potent nutrients:: flaxseed contains the highest plant-based levels of omega-3s and phytoestrogens called lignans than any other food. 

2. Linwoods heart healthy superfoods are low in saturated fat; contain no cholesterol and high in omega-3’s and fiber which all may help prevent high blood cholesterol. Dr. Frank Sacks, Professor of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health shares, “We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain, and since our bodies cannot make omega-3 fats, we must get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are also associated with many health benefits, including protection against heart disease and possibly stroke'

3. Omega-3’s to promote maximum brain activity, and antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals and keep bodily systems working efficiently. Dr. Fernando Gómez-Pinilla, a UCLA professor of neurosurgery and physiological science says  "Omega-3 fatty acids support synaptic plasticity and seem to positively affect the expression of several molecules related to learning and memory that are found on synapses, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal brain function.”

The product line includes ground seeds, nuts and berries, all of which are GLUTEN FREE and have NO ADDED SUGAR.

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There are 6 varieties to choose from that are available in the US: 

  • Linwoods Ground Flax, Sunflower, Pumpkin & Sesame Seeds & Goji Berries
  • Linwoods Ground Flax,Cocoa, Strawberries & Blueberries
  • Linwoods Ground Flaxseed, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Walnuts & Q10
  • Linwoods Ground Flaxseed & Goji Berries
  • Linwoods Ground Organic Flaxseed 
  • Linwoods Shelled Organic Hemp
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I was sent samples of all the flavors and experimented with them in many ways-  Ground Flax, Cocoa, Strawberries & Blueberries was super added to oatmeal,yogurt, salad, and smoothies! As were the Goji Berries and Nut blends! Want to sneak them in for your kids? Add them to muffins, cookies, breads, casseroles, soups and stews! You can even top pasta and baked potatoes with them! They have recipes available on their website to give you some idea starters as well! LOVE love love how simple it is to sprinkle on your foods and get a boost of energy and nutrients our bodies need!

I experimented with a Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Bread over the weekend (thankfully our church congregation are willing guinea pigs!) and was quite happy with adding the packets to my favorite recipes!



linwoods flaxseed mix


Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Flaxseed Goji Berry Bread


Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar, plus additional 2 tbsp for sprinkling
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup blueberry yogurt (regular or Greek)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 tablespoons butter, melted (make sure cooled a little)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract 
1 or 2 packets of Linwoods Ground Flaxseed (your choice of flavoring- for this recipe I used 1 Linwoods Ground Flaxseed, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Walnuts & Q10 packet and 1 Linwoods Ground Flaxseed & Goji Berries packet)
Optional:
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon of flour
Grated zest of two lemons

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Line the bottom and long sides of a 9x5 metal bread pan with aluminum foil, and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.  
3. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda,salt and flaxseed packets (and zest, if using)) in a large bowl. 
4. In separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and lemon extract, until just combined. 
5. Add wet mix into the dry mix, until just combined- batter will be on the thick side.
6. If using fresh blueberries, toss them (gently) with the extra tablespoon of flour (a teaspoon or two) to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the pan (old tip from Grandma's recipe for blueberry bread). 
7. Gently fold blueberries into your batter. 
8. Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan, and lightly sprinkle the top with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. 
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Yield: 12 slices as shown above.

This is a very dense and rich bread, and one slice is enough for most people. Thanks to the flaxseed packets, you will get a lot of energy from this bread, making it perfect to serve for breakfast on the go!

You can adjust the flavor of the yogurt to what you have on hand, same with the berries! Another option is to add a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of applesauce for a moister bread. This recipe is SO versatile, it is easy to tinker with! 


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I can't recommend the Linwood Super foods enough! Check them out and make them part of your healthy lifestyle change today!

Want to win a sample pack (like above) to try with your family?


  a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for reading this post and entering the giveaway!

Comments

  1. This would be great. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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