What is flaxseed. Flax is a type of plant sometimes referred to as linseed. Flax produces seeds which can be eaten. Flaxseed is generally sold in its whole or ground form. To access the full nutritional benefit of the flaxseed generally the ground form of the seed is recommended for consumption. Unground or whole flaxseed may pass through the digestive system undigested.

Flaxseed in place of eggs. Flaxseed is often used as a substitute for egg. Although it is not a nut flax will often leave a sweet nutty or perhaps smokey taste to any recipe in which it is used.

How do you use flaxseed as an egg substitute? It is easy to use flaxseed as a substitute for egg. You merely combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal and three tablespoons of water. Allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes and use it on a one-to-one basis for an egg. This can be used in many recipes as a substitute for egg.

Where is it grown? Flax is generally grown in the eastern part of the United States, east of the Mississippi River. It can be found in other locations in the United States. It is a primary crop grown in North Dakota and Missouri.

Why do people avoid eggs? There are multiple reasons that someone would want to avoid eggs including having an allergy to eggs, being concerned about consuming eggs due to their cholesterol levels, simply not liking the taste of eggs and wanting to avoid them or being vegan. We discuss each below.

Egg allergy. It is estimated that between 0.5 and 2.5 percent of children are allergic to eggs. This includes both the yoke and white of the egg. People allergic to eggs must avoid eating eggs and products containing eggs to avoid allergy related symptoms and outbreaks.

Eggs and cholesterol. Studies have indicated that eggs have an effect on cholesterol level. Many individuals who want to manage their cholesterol through diet refrain from eating eggs or limit their consumption. As an alternative in baking flaxseed can be used.

Taste preference. As with all foods eggs have their own particular taste. Some individuals do not like the taste of eggs and therefore will either avoid them or seek out alternatives. Flaxseed can be used as an alternative or replacement for eggs in many recipes. Additionally, some prefer the taste of flaxseed which is sweet and nutty. Flax however is not a nut.

Eggs are not vegan. Vegans do not consume animal products and eggs are an animal product. Eggs are produced be chickens. Thus, vegans do not eat eggs or products containing eggs. Many baked goods contain eggs when traditionally made.

Flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the classes of fats which are essential fats. That is fatty acids that are not manufactured by the body and must be obtained by eating them.

Omega-3 is used in the cells of the retina, brain and in stem cells. It is also important in the functioning of your heart vessels, lungs, immune system and endocrine system.

Cooking ground flax seed or meal. If you are going to eat ground flax seed, you should eat it only after cooking it to kill off any bacteria or toxins that may exist in it. I cook it for 6 minutes in a 350-degree oven. I stir it after 4 minutes and check that it has reached a temperature of 165degrees Fahrenheit. I like to eat it by mixing it into something like applesauce or yogurt. I also make sure I drink lots of water with it to allow it proper digestion. It is recommended that you not exceed two tablespoons per day. Once cooked, it will keep for seven days covered in the refrigerator.

Why does VOCOA use flaxseed? VOCOA uses flaxseed as a substitute for eggs to make products that are vegan and avoid the allergen egg. It also provides a unique taste in VOCOA products. As an added benefit, it provides Omega-3 fatty acids to people consuming VOCOA.