Do you know the health benefits of LSA and why you should be adding it to your porridge and smoothies?
We take a look at this popular superfood.
What is LSA?
LSA is short for linseed (also known as flaxseed), sunflower seeds and almond meal.
This seeds and nut combination is ground together to create a blend that can be added to various things, like your cereal in the morning.
Lotus LSA Meal brand follows a ratio of linseeds 50%, sunflower seeds, 33.3% and blanched almonds 16.7%, and these are fairly standard ratios, though you will find small variations.
Why Should I Take LSA?
Because it is extremely good for you.
LSA packs a huge nutritional punch for its size. It is high in protein, minerals, dietary fibre and essential fatty acids.
This means that it helps to support all kinds of vital bodily functions like balancing hormones, detoxifying the liver, encouraging healthy skin and hair growth, regulating cholesterol levels and keeping your heart in shape. There is even some evidence that it may help reduce the risk of some cancers.
And it tastes great too – with a subtle nutty flavour.
If you’d like to shake up breakfast with a delicious and versatile overnight oats recipe, please see here.
LSA – The Nutritional Lowdown
LSA is considered a superfood by many for good reason. Here are just some of the important nutrients found in LSA mix:
- Protein
- Vitamins – A, B1 (Thiamine), D and E
- Minerals – Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous, Zinc
- Fibre – both soluble and insoluble. Insoluble is vital for good gut health – see here to learn more.
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Abundant in lignans (polyphenols) – these are plant compounds which act as antioxidants. They are thought to have a number of health benefits, including promoting brain health and digestion, protecting against Type 2 diabetes and heart disease and some cancers.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6
If you’d like to know more about Omega-3 and why it is good for you, please see here.
How Long Does LSA Last?
Up to 12 months, if stored with a little care.
LSA has a high unsaturated oil content and so will turn rancid over a period of time. You will be able to tell if this has happened to your mix as it will smell (and taste) bitter.
The mix should be kept in an airtight container, in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Once the packet has been opened, popping it in the fridge will prolong its life. I like to pour it into a jar and sit it next to the milk in my fridge door to remind me to add some to my breakfast cereal.
And if you’d like to try a few more tried and tested Overnight Oats Recipes, see here.
Another way to extend the life of your blend is to buy your linseeds, sunflowers seeds and almonds separately and blend small batches of the mix yourself in a spice or coffee bean grinder.
No matter how you decide to purchase and store your LSA, it is best to deal in small amounts and buy your seeds and nuts, or prepared blend regularly. This way you can ensure that you product is as fresh and nutrient-rich as possible.
How To Use LSA?
LSA is best added to things in its cold/raw state – that way there is no risk of you damaging the healthy fats and vitamins by heating them. Having said that, popping a couple of tablespoons into a homemade loaf of bread or a cake will give your baking a major antioxidant boost.
My favourite ways of getting LSA into my diet is by sprinkling it on my muesli or porridge in the morning, or by adding a scoop to a healthy breakfast smoothie. If you’d like to try a delicious protein shake recipe that is bursting with nutrients, including a decent dose of LSA, please see here.
Unlike some superfoods, LSA has the advantage that it tastes pleasant – especially if you like nuts. Try scattering some over salads to up their nutritional clout and add some texture. Or maybe you could mix some into a herb and Panko crumb to coat some chops or grilled halloumi cheese.
LSA’s nutty flavour also works well in things like protein bars and bliss balls. My family are particular fans of this chocolate and peanut butter bliss balls recipe.
LSA Mix – The Genuine SuperFood
Food fads come and go and many things are touted as ‘superfoods’. Some of these wonder ingredients turn out to be everything they promise. Others prove to be disappointing.
LSA mix is the real deal. A blend of seeds and nuts that offers an impressive array of health benefits – all in a tasty spoonful that can be tossed into a variety of dishes.
If you aren’t using it already, give it a try. It’s delicious, easy to find and include in regular meals and far more economical than some of its more exotic contemporaries.
Its also a great thing to include in your diet if you’re trying to cut back on meat consumption.
LSA is one superfood we should all try to get into our diets.
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