Step 1

Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Step 2

Combine liquid ingredients in a separate bowl; keep raisins in reserve.

Step 3

Stir liquid ingredients into dry ingredients all at once, add raisins and stir until thoroughly moistened but the batter still appears lumpy.

Step 4

Fill muffin tins lined with paper or foil cups about two-thirds full.

Step 5

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 6

Serve topped with jam.

Step 7

Each muffin has 165 calories and a good dose of omega-3 fats.

Step 8

Flaxseeds, a dark brown version of sesame seeds, contain about 9 grams of fat in a one-ounce serving. But more than half the fat is alpha-linolenic acid, which is the plant form of omega-3 fats, the same sought-after fat found in salmon, sardines and fish oil capsules. Flaxseeds' high content of omega-3's is big news since canola and walnut oil are a distant second place with less than 10 percent of their fat as alpha-linolenic acid. So for nonfish-eaters and vegetarians, flaxseed is the best bet for getting these essential fats.

Step 9

In the body, omega-3 fats perform a variety of roles, such as helping with blood circulation and promoting healthy nerve fibers. Researchers theorize that early humans dined on a diet rich in omega-3 fats from wild plants, fish and animals. But today, few of us get enough of these vital fats. In fact, our diets tend to be rich in the other type of essential fats, called omega-6's, found in vegetable oils like corn and safflower oils. While omega-6 fats, too, are vital, the balance of 3's to 6's appears crucial for optimal health. As a result of our vegetable-oil rich diets, we typically consume a ratio of omega-3's to omega-6's of 1:10 rather than the 1:4 believed ideal by essential-fat experts.

Step 10

Because of our lopsided intake of these essential fats, according to some scientists a variety of chronic ailments - including heart disease and possibly nerve disorders, such as multiple sclerosis - result. In terms of heart health, for example, omega-3 fats help lower blood triglyceride (fat) and cholesterol levels, and also keep blood cells called platelets from becoming sticky; this helps prevent blood clots from forming in narrowed arteries, a sure trigger for a heart attack.

Step 11

In one study, subjects with risky blood cholesterol levels ate bread made with ground flaxseed for three months. Participants ate three slices of bread daily containing 15 grams of ground flaxseed. Following "bread" therapy, the participants' cholesterol levels dropped dramatically, especially levels of the "bad" cholesterol, LDL. Also, the patients' platelets were less sticky following flaxseed consumption.

Step 12

Getting the health benefits of flaxseed oil means using whole flaxseeds or bottled oil, both sold at health food stores and some grocery stores. But note that when adding whole flaxseed to your diet, you must either purchase ground flaxseeds (called flaxseed meal) or grind them yourself in a coffee grinder. The outer covering of an unground flaxseed is pretty tough and will go right through your system undigested. So if you're after laxation, use whole flaxseeds, otherwise to get the healthy oils, use ground flaxseed.

Step 13

Make sure to store flaxseed (meal or whole seeds) and flax oil in the refrigerator as the fats easily go bad. Use flax oil in salad dressings, tossed with cooked pasta or drizzled on pizza. It's important to note that flaxseed oil cannot be used in cooking because at high temperatures the beneficial oils break down.

Step 14

You can use ground flaxseed meal in hot cereals, soups, smoothies or virtually any way you want. There are also a few ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that are made with flaxseed meal that will help boost your intake of omega-3's with ease. Try my flaxseed meal muffins made with buttermilk - I think you'll find them a tasty way to get your omega-3's

Step 15

Description:"Muffins plus article on the health benefits of Flaxseed"

Step 16

Number of servings not listed; I guessed at 12.

Step 17

I tried these flaxseed muffins that I posted last week, and they are surprisingly good! Only one complaint: they stuck badly to the paper muffin liners. Next time I'll just use a non-stick muffin tin sprayed with Pam.

Step 18

This recipe makes 12 "medium homemade" sized muffins (the original recipe didn't list the number of servings. I figure that each serving contains 2/3 Tablespoon of flaxseed.