Why is flax seed meal important to this recipe? Firstly, the simple addition of flax meal offers the biggest nutrient payload of any food on earth. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, these seeds pack a healthy punch. They are also high in fiber which is beneficial to the digestive system, keeping us regular and feeling great. Flax is also rich in antioxidants.
Why Whole Wheat Flour is Important to this Recipe
Adding whole wheat flour to the recipe gives yet another nutritive boost. The difference between whole wheat flour and white flour is that when whole wheat flour is milled, it is milled intact with the germ, endosperm and bran. White flour is only the starchy endosperm which is nutritionally void because the other parts of the grain have been removed. It is fortified with artificial nutrients to make up for the loss. Whole wheat flour is much higher in fiber, vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, zinc, folic acid and chromium than white flour.
The Added Benefits of Applesauce
Applesauce is used to replace oils that would normally be used in pumpkin bread recipes. Using applesauce instead of oil reduces the great amount of fat that oils tend to contain. Applesauce makes this recipe low fat while still keeping it very moist and delicious.
The Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Sometimes pumpkin is overlooked as a healthy food. Pumpkins are low in fat and calories yet high in nutritional benefits. They contain alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium and pantothenic acid.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups white sugar or equivalent artificial sweetener
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup applesauce
- 4 eggs
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Oil three 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch loaf pans.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).In a large mixing bowl combine the flours, flax meal, soda, salt, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well. Add applesauce, eggs, pumpkin, and water. Mix the batter well with a mixer or by hand. Stir in the nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Enjoy!
Additional Information
- Information about flax seed: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
- Information about whole wheat flour (a whole grain food): http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204
Christy Bowen - Christy is a student at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a senior behavioral psychology major with a 3D sculpture minor.
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