Flax (linum usitatissimum) was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the nutritional benefits of flax seed that his subjects were required to eat it by law. Golden flax seed is high in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. Ground flax seed also contains iron, protein and fiber.Add flax seed meal to bread, pancakes, muffins and cookies for extra nutrition and a delicious nutty flavor. Flax meal can also be used as an egg replacer: add 1 tablespoon ground flax to 3 tablespoons water for each egg.
