Grain-Free Apple Flax Muffins Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for ground flaxseed in baking? ›

Chia seeds

What is this? Ground chia seeds are an excellent flax meal substitute as a thickening agent, a vegan egg replacement, and added to baked goods. Whole chia seeds work well in smoothies, puddings, oatmeal, and baked goods. To substitute whole or ground, use a 1:1 ratio.

Researchers gave a group of women with breast cancer a muffin made with about 2 tablespoons of flaxseed every day for 1 month. They found that women who ate the flaxseed muffins had significantly lower tumor cell growth compared to women who ate a placebo muffin (no flaxseed).

If you're making one flax egg, combine one tablespoon of flaxseed meal and three tablespoons of water and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. From here, you can add this ingredient to your recipe just as you would an egg! Consider it the Bob's Red Mill formula for egg-less magic.

Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Flaxseed Can Replace Fat in Baking:

Flaxseed can replace all of the fat called for in a recipe because of its high oil content. If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup (75 mL) of oil or butter or other fat then use 1 cup (250 mL) of ground flaxseed to replace it. Generally, use a 3:1 substitution ratio.

Use wheat germ when baking bread. With a nutty flavor similar to flaxseed and great binding properties, you can substitute wheat germ for flaxseed when baking. You might, however, notice that your finished product is slightly less chewy than normal. You will also pick up health benefits.

Flaxseed is rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids and contains several important vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health. Its nutrients may offer some protection against cancer and help reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Flaxseed might have an anti-estrogen effect. Taking flaxseed might decrease the effects of oral contraceptive drugs and estrogen replacement therapy.

Lignans, which are the type of phytoestrogens in flaxseed, can change estrogen metabolism. In postmenopausal women, lignans can cause the body to produce less active forms of estrogen. This is believed to potentially reduce breast cancer risk.

Side effects.

It might cause diarrhea, cramping, gas, and bloating. High doses of flaxseed, especially when not taken with enough water, can cause constipation and, rarely, bowel obstruction. If ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil goes rancid, it may cause cholesterol problems and inflammation.

Does flaxseed go bad? ›

How Long Does Flaxseed Last? When stored properly—in an airtight storage container and away from sunlight—our whole flaxseed has a shelf life of two years. Ground flaxseed has a shelf life of one year. Each bag of flaxseed has a best by date printed on the packaging.

Flax seeds can be ground into a “meal” or “flour,” which is how they are typically used when baking. Grinding flax seeds into a meal allows the body access to absorb the nutrition locked up in the seed. It also unlocks the natural oils and binders in the seeds, making them a great tool for baking.

Ask your doctor before taking flaxseed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Men with prostate cancer should ask their doctor before taking flaxseed. People with a bowel obstruction, inflamed bowel, or narrowed esophagus should not take flaxseed. It is high in fiber and could make the condition worse.

A meta-analysis of 45 studies cites that eating flaxseeds as part of a healthy diet may decrease body weight and waist size. The research also suggests that consuming more than 30 grams (¼ cup) for longer than 12 weeks positively impacts body composition.

Mix into a smoothie or yogurt. Sprinkle in your oatmeal or homemade granola bars. Replace breadcrumbs with ground flax in recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, crab cakes, etc. Mix into baked goods like muffins, breads, pancakes, cookies, and cakes.

Chia seeds, psyllium husk and hemp seeds can all work as substitutes for flaxseed. Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a highly nutritious plant. It's commonly used as a thickener, binder or crust in vegan and vegetarian cooking.

While ground flaxseed cannot completely replace the flour in a recipe, it can easily replace about 1/4 of the flour called for. The rest of the all purpose or whole wheat flour should be substituted for gluten free flour.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are very similar to flaxseeds because they are also good sources of fiber and omega-3 fats, along with a number of other nutrients. Like flaxseeds, chia seeds also contain a number of important antioxidant polyphenols.