Kale Chips and Flax Crackers

[rawstrength]

I know that many people who visit these forums are huge fans of flax crackers and kale chips. I don't want to rain on your parade, but I thought I ought to point out two potential problems with these foods.

Flax - Flax contains phytoestrogens (lignins) that produce the effects of estrogen in the human body when consumed. This can be very healing for women with estrogen deficiencies, but done long-term by otherwise healthy individuals, it could cause hormonal imbalance. I want to stress that flax in moderation is good for you but taking it everyday over the long-term could cause issues.

Kale - Kale and other cruciferous veggies contain goitrogens that can harm your thyroid when taken in excess. Cruciferous veggies are powerful cancer fighters and are very nutritious . . . but maybe eating kale chips day in and day out is not such a good idea.

Variety is the spice of life! Next time you are about to throw together some flax crackers, try using chia seed instead. It can be replaced equally with flax in any recipe. Instead of kale chips, try making collard greens chips, or reaching for some celery when you want a crunchy, salty snack.

I love you all too much to see your healthy, beautiful way of raw eating cause problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JennaBoBenna]

thanks for the reminder! i got in the habit of eating way too many kale chips. no wonder i stopped eating them, my body just didn't want them one day. but now that i've had a week long break...time to munch some again! mwahaaa

[Moretta]

Thanks for the reminder and info Rawstrength. You are always such an inspiration and wealth of information to share with this forum.

You rawk!!!!

[rawstrength]

Jenna - You rawk! That is so great that you are in tune with your body enough to know when to take a break from things. :D Enjoy your chips!

[Myca]

Ok, you have convinced me. I'm off the buy Lays.

[spicyfull]

Thanks for Sharing.

[Zoocrew10]

interesting. I wonder, though, if eating flax has helped me feel a little more energetic?? I've been told to get my hormone levels checked ( no insurance prevents this getting done ) but I feel really good after I eat flaxseed crackers. Could be a mind set thing though.

[kaybee]

if youre trying to avoid goitrogens, may want to try swiss chard chips or beet green chips or something...im pretty sure collards are in the same family as kale and cabbage and contain the same elements. im pretty sure that chard and beet are a different family though.