What are flaxseeds?
Flax has been cultivated for thousands of years and, historically, has had multiple uses.
They’re considerednearly impossible to digest.)
A tablespoon of flaxseed soaked in water also makes a super-simple vegan egg substitute!
As for taste, ground flaxseed won’t mess with the flavor of your pancakes or breads.
It’s nutty with just a hint of earthiness and sweetness.
Heart health is where flaxseeds display their greatest potential.
Research from 2019 also found that flaxseeds' antioxidant propertieshelp reduce inflammation7, a major driver of cardiovascular disease.
They may support women’s health.
Flaxseed may also offer benefits for women’s health.
“This is because the lignans act as estrogen in the body.”
However, the data here isn’t perfectly clear-cut.
They may have skin and hair benefits.
The internet is teeming with information on flaxseeds’benefits for skin and hairbut does reality match the hype?
When supplementation stopped, so did the benefits."
They’re great for digestive health.
Soluble fiber, on the other hand, softens stool so it’s easier to pass.
Just be aware that ramping up too quickly on the fiber in flaxseeds could backfire.
They could support weight loss.
Between their ample fiber content and their small dose ofprotein, flaxseeds have plenty to offer for weight management.
Does ground flaxseed have more health benefits than whole flaxseed?
The answer to this one is a resounding…kind of.
She also points out that due to the grinding process, flaxseed meal contains less product per tablespoon.
“Effectively, flaxseed meal is the better nutritional bet,” Moon says.
Stick to the ground variety for the best results.
Flaxseed oil is another form of flaxseeds available on the market.
This form is best added to smoothies or salad dressings and is not suggested for cooking.
How do they compare to other seeds?
Flaxseeds are just one of the many nutrient-dense seeds to include in a healthy diet.
Besides this difference, there are some other key distinctions between them and their seed cousins.
On the other hand, flaxseeds have more omega-3 fats and antioxidants.
And where flaxseeds contain more magnesium, copper, and thiamine, hemp seeds have more iron and zinc.
Still, they’ve got more of a few nutrients like folate and pantothenic acid.
But don’t be fooled!
The shelf of your home pantry isn’t the best place to store the seeds once opened.
“Whole flaxseeds will stay fresh longer than flaxseed meal.
Either way, store them in an airtight, dark, nonmetal container in the refrigerator or freezer.
As a plant food, flaxseeds are generally a more sustainable choice than animal foods.
You take your sustainability efforts one step further by purchasing organic flaxseeds.
FAQ
Is it OK to have flaxseed every day?
When you do so, you’ll load up on nutrients you might not get elsewhere in your diet.
