Seems as if most of what I read anymore touts the nutritional benefits of ‘flax’. I researched and learned that flax contains omega 3 fatty acid that fights disease, helps to prevent cancer and heart disease plus several more health benefits. The problem is that our diets no longer contain enough omega 3 fatty acid to be useful. It was enough for me to consider the merits of introducing Flax to Cream of the West 7-Grain and, if they liked each other, marrying the two. As a result, Richard and I have started adding flax seed – both brown and golden—to our 7-Grain cereal each morning. It’s surprising how many decisions there are to make: 1) Should we add brown or golden flax? 2) How much flax is enough ? Too much? 3) Will whole flax seed work or should it be ground?
Golden and brown flax contain the same nutritional benefits; so, since brown seeds are more visible than golden, we chose ‘brown’ because of the visual impact. It’s nice to be able to see those omega 3 fatty acids when you’re eating them. The ‘how much flax is enough?’ question was a bit more tricky. At this point we’re leaning toward 1 teaspoon per serving which is about 33% of the daily recommended serving. But, our nutritionists will have the final answer to this question. We have determined, however, that adding one teaspoon of flax seed doesn’t change the taste of the 7-Grain probably since both have a nutty flavor and texture. Because Cream of the West 7-Grain is roasted, the answer to question #3 — ‘whole seed’ versus ‘ground’?—is resolved. Since either process makes the seeds easier to digest, adding whole seeds will insure that the miniscule seeds will end up in the cereal blend and not in the bottom of the hopper.
What’s left is determining a name – right now Roasted 7-Grain + FLAX sounds good – the nutritionals and a box design. All of the votes are not in, however. I’d love to hear your opinions. Those of you who are already loyal fans of Cream of the West Roasted 7-Grain are invited, in fact URGED, to weigh in on the subject. Those who aren’t, yet!, can order some via our products page, and weigh in on the subject. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.
