Q on Flaxseed

[Smoke]

Is there any harm in eating flaxseed whole, I know i've heard some seeds will cause diverticulitous..However it's spelled. I sorta like them whole, Kind of like sesame seeds. also what is a good amount to consume for max benifit?

[Pam]

Here's what I found. I thought I remember reading there was a reason to grind it before you ate it.

"Ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil?
Liquid flaxseed oil is the easiest form to use, although it must be kept refrigerated. It is available either in liquid form, or in capsules.

If you prefer to use ground flaxseeds, just add 1 or 2 tablespoons of to an 8-ounce glass of water and mix. Flaxseeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and taste good sprinkled on salads, cooked vegetables, or cereals.

I recommend you grind the seeds (or buy ground flaxseed) because whole seeds simply pass through the body. Grinding the seeds just before using them best preserves flavor and nutrition, but pre-ground seeds are more convenient. Keep them refrigerated. There are no nutritional differences between brown and yellow seeds.

For best absorption, take flaxseed oil with food. It is easily mixed into juices and other drinks, and its nutty, buttery flavor complements cottage cheese, yogurt and many other foods. You can also use it instead of olive oil in a salad dressing. Don't cook with it, however, as this will deplete the oil's nutrient content.

In my opinion the best price on the internet for high quality flaxseed oil is . I also like Puritan Pride's special on flaxseed oil.

Buy flaxseed oil in an opaque plastic bottle. This will prevent light from spoiling it. Also check the expiration date on the label, as the oil spoils quickly. Keep it refrigerated for freshness. Should the oil develop a powerful odor, discard it."

Hope that helps some.

[Smoke]

I knew you would have the answer to it. Lol Like having my own nutritional encyclopedia.

Thx

[Smoke]

Makes sense...I'll grind, but i'm still leaving it a little chunky.

[Pam]

Well I wasnt sure of this one. Kind of remember reading something about it being better ground but wasnt sure.

[ejoyce]

I am reading through some old posts and this one made me laugh...I ate whole flaxseed for 2 years (all proud of myself) only to learn they passed through my system without any of the wonderful health benefits, also they need to be keep in a dark package and refrigerated. If your grocer sells them unrefrigerated don't buy them there.

[Smoke]

This is sort of a sick story but funny as well.

My boyfriens parents always had Easter breakfast...bunch of people like 30. At the end of the day they realized there was a problem with the septic tank. Next day they went to dig it up to have it pumped out and there was a whole pill of some sort. Kind of makes you wonder how many meds that are prescribed actually get into YOUR system and not the septic's.

BTW...it really is great having you around Eileen, nice to come here and have something new to look at.

[Pam]

I always buy mine unrefrigerated but put it in there once home. I'll have to see if they sell it refrigerated. Moved up north and don't have as many options for groceries as I once did without going into town...that is taking time to get used to.

Pam

[ejoyce]

Ok - not about flaxseed but along the lines of Smoke's post... my brother's doctor had him swallow a mini camera (size of a large pill) that takes pictures all along the digestive tract, until it is *ahem* discarded. He asked the doc if he could keep the thing taking pictiures after being discarded since he was having some issues with his septic tank and thought it might help find the problem :-)

[Smoke]

LOL I wouldn't want to be the one having to find the camera after that though.

My boyfriends Mom had to do that recently as well..pretty amazing stuff.