Yes, you absolutely can put flax seeds in tea, or more specifically, steep them in hot water to create a beverage often referred to as flax seed tea or an infusion.
Preparing Flax Seed Tea
Based on the provided reference, creating a beneficial infusion involves combining flax seeds with boiling water. This process extracts compounds from the seeds into the liquid, forming a drink that can be consumed.
The basic method outlined is straightforward:
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Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of whole or ground flaxseed
- About 1 cup of boiling water
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Instructions:
- Add the 2 teaspoons of whole or ground flaxseed to approximately 1 cup of boiling water.
- Let the mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
This steeping process allows the beneficial properties of the flax seeds to infuse into the water, resulting in the final "tea."
Potential Benefits
According to the reference, flaxseeds contain compounds known as phytoestrogens. These have a chemical structure similar to the estrogen present in the human body.
Therefore, this type of flax seed tea can be consumed by menopausal women, suggesting a potential benefit related to hormonal balance due to the presence of these phytoestrogens.
Why Steep Flax Seeds?
Steeping flax seeds in hot water helps to release their mucilage, a soluble fiber that can create a gel-like consistency. It also aids in extracting other water-soluble compounds, including the phytoestrogens mentioned in the reference. This makes the nutrients and beneficial components more accessible for consumption compared to eating the dry seeds alone in some contexts.
In summary, putting flax seeds in boiling water is a valid method to create a nutritious infusion, often called flax seed tea, with specific potential benefits highlighted by its phytoestrogen content.
