This protein-rich, anticancer, anti-inflammatory flatbread is delicious with runny eggs (and lots of cancer-fighting herbs) or as a canvas for sliced avocado and tomato or other open-faced sandwich offerings. I also love it with pesto and finely grated Parmesan cheese when the bread is hot from the oven.

Buckwheat is actually not wheat, but rather a seed that is naturally gluten-free. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Buckwheat has been found to boost heart health and reduce blood sugar and cancer risk. Its antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Flax and sesame seeds offer anti-cancer lignans which can significantly reduce tumor growth by increasing cell death and decreasing angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer to advance). Lignans are phytoestrogens that can relieve the symptoms of menopause and modulate the effects of estrogen in the body by connecting to their receptors (just as tamoxifen does) thus inhibiting cancer cell replication. This is because they have a very similar chemical structure as to an estrogen molecule. Studies have found that consuming 25-30 grams of flaxseed daily inhibits the growth of ER+ and ER- breast cancers and reduces the metastasis of breast tumors.[[i] Flaxseed is also high in omega 3’s, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and antioxidants which further defeat cancer.

While flaxseeds have approximately 100 times more lignans than other foods, a new study showed that sesame seeds may rival flax in the lignan arena.[ii]  The researchers found sesame to be a better inducer of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in breast cancer cells than flaxseed. It could be that whole sesame seeds are more easily digested than whole flax and that particular study used un-ground flaxseed[iii], so more research needs to be done (I always recommend grinding flax just prior to ingestion). Meanwhile sesame seeds are a rich source of plant-based calcium and protein, and certainly a good source of lignans. They also help lower blood pressure and oxidative stress, and reduce diabetic neuropathic pain and inflammation.

Chia seeds are anti-inflammatory and high in protein and omega 3′ fatty acids. Poppy seeds offer vitamins and minerals, and bestow antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that support the blood, bones, and gut.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup buckwheat groats
• 2 Tbs. flax seeds
• ¼ cup raw, sprouted sunflower seeds
• 1 Tbs. chia seeds
• 1 ½ tsp. dried oregano
• ½ tsp. dried parsley
• ½ tsp. dried thyme
• ¼ tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. fine grain sea salt
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbs olive or coconut oil (melted)
• Seed topping (recipe below)
• Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a small rimmed 10 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper
2. In a spice or coffee grinder, grind the oats until they resemble flour; transfer to a medium bowl and do the same with the groats. Coarsely grind the flax seeds and add them to the bowl. Add the sunflower and chia seeds, the spices, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
3. Add the coconut milk, syrup, and oil and stir until combined. Spread the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.  It will not leak, but keep it on the paper. Sprinkle it with the seed mixture and coarse Celtic sea salt to taste. Drizzle with a very small amount of olive oil, if desired.
4. Bake 20 minutes on a low rack in the oven. Move the pan to the upper rack and rotate the pan; bake 5-10 minutes more or until firm to the touch.
5. Allow to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Slide the parchment to a board and cut into 6-8 pieces with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
6. Store the flatbread in an airtight container for a few days or freeze to enjoy later.

Seed Topping:

2 Tbs. raw, sprouted sunflower seeds

½ tsp. chia seeds

2 tsp. poppy seeds

2 Tbs. sesame seeds

This recipe was inspired by a recipe in Angela Liddon’s amazing “The Oh She Glows Cookbook”. There are so many delicious recipes in this book –mouthwatering soups, stews, and more so I highly recommend it.

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5808339/

[ii] http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/sesame-may-eclipse-flaxseed-ultimate-healing-seed?fbclid=IwAR2YKTl7BTIY2teL4IhXo0EJ6ylpl4pM2y5FPppBpC1Gi4oEeU7j1a7tZTg

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22136581

You can find groats and sprouted seeds at Whole Foods and other markets or here at Amazon:               Buckwheat Groats         Raw, Sprouted Sunflower Seeds

Enjoy in good health,

Elyn

Elyn Jacobs is a holistic cancer strategist and speaker specializing in the prevention and treatment of cancer. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn has written for numerous journals and publications. She was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. To contact Elyn, visit www.elynjacobs.com. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone, or in person.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.  This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice.  I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

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