How can I add flaxseed flour to my diet if I have never used products like this before?

Flaxseed flour fits well into an everyday menu because it does not require special recipes. The easiest way to start is with dishes you already make:

• Porridge and breakfasts — add 1–2 teaspoons to cooked porridge or muesli. The flour will thicken the dish slightly and give it a nutty flavour.
• Smoothies — a small amount of flaxseed flour makes a smoothie more filling and thicker. It goes well with banana, berries and plant-based milk.
• Baking — add it to the main flour in a ratio of roughly 1 to 5–10 so as not to change the structure of the dough drastically.
• Sauces and home-made bars — flaxseed flour acts as both a thickener and a source of nutrients.

Because the product contains dietary fibre, if your digestion is sensitive it is best to introduce it gradually — starting with 1 teaspoon a day and increasing the amount as you get used to it — but not beyond the daily dose of 2–3 tablespoons stated on the label. At the same time, it is important to drink enough water: fibre works better with adequate fluid intake.

People with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those taking medication should consult a specialist before adding new foods to their diet.