The Truth About Flax Seeds & The Best Way To Eat Them

Flax seeds are a great food source packed with nutrients. They're a great source of protein and omega-3’s. To make sure you're able to absorb the nutrition, and that it's still in good shape when you eat it, it's important to know how to eat them.

Should I Grind Flaxseeds or Eat Them Whole?

Don’t buy ground flax seeds. The beneficial oils will be oxidized by then. On the other hand, if you eat the flax seeds whole you probably won’t digest them very well. The best way to consume flax seeds is to buy them whole and either sprout them before you eat them or freshly grind them just before you eat them.

If eaten whole, flax seeds may pass through the body without even being absorbed. Sprouting them increases their bio-availability. If you sprout them and chew them well, and have a good amount of stomach acids and enzymes, you should be able to get enough nutrition out of them to make it worthwhile. Especially if you like them. However, it's probably best to grind the whole seed just before eating it.

Are The Phytoestrogens In Flaxseed Bad?

However, recent research suggests that the phytoestrogens in flax are bad for the health of many people. The phytoestrogens in flax seeds aren’t nearly as bad as the ones in soy. But it’s something to consider. High doses of flax oil might not be good for some people. The seeds should be ok. Unless you're an older woman, possibly with hormonal issues, especially estrogen dominance, I wouldn't worry about the phytoestrogens in flax seeds. For most people they're a great addition to a healthy diet.

They're great sprinkled over a salad!