Can i eat whole flax seeds

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that flax seeds may improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, help lower your cholesterol level and reduce the risk of heart disease, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Eating them ground up can enhance the health benefits of flax seeds. According to Mayo Clinic, whole flax seeds can pass through your digestive system undigested, meaning you miss out on its nutritional benefits.

Ground flax seed is digested much more easily. The United States Department of Agriculture doesn't point out any nutritional differences between raw and toasted or baked flax seeds. A tablespoon of ground seeds has 37 calories, 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, trace amounts of sugar, 2 grams of sodium and no cholesterol, according to the USDA. Its relatively high fiber content and low calorie count make raw, ground flax seed a smart choice for weight loss plans, since fiber is one nutrient that can help you feel satisfied and stay full for a long time.

You must eat flax seeds ground to most effectively absorb their omega-3 fatty acids and other primary nutrients. However, it's typically fine to eat the seeds raw. After buying raw seeds, grind small amounts in a coffee grinder, in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle before you eat them.

The high amounts of oil in raw flax mean that the seeds can go rancid, especially after they're ground, so it's helpful to store them in the fridge. Sprinkle raw, ground flax seeds on cereal or granola, bake them into cookies and bars, or eat them as a salad topping. Read more: Golden Flax Seed Vs. Whole flax seeds decorate cracker and cookie tops, and add texture and flavour to batters, bread doughs and salads. Each seed contains 57 per cent of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic ALA.

To release the oil, you must carefully grind the seeds with your teeth as you eat. Without being broken, the seed keeps the ALA inside it throughout digestion, meaning you will not receive omega-3 benefits. However, whole flax seeds provide roughage that can aid laxation. Depending on where you live, whole seeds are sold in the bulk food sections of grocery and specialty food stores.

Sold by the scoop, kilogram or pound, whole flax seeds are an inexpensive food ingredient, with a high nutritional value. The hard outer shell of whole flax seeds keeps the oil within from being affected by extremes of heat or light.

Studies conducted by the Flax Council of Canada show that whole flax seeds can be kept at room temperature for up to 10 months, without spoilage or loss of the omega-3 fatty acid.

However, you must be the judge of your own storage conditions. In situations where storage conditions are not ideal, whole seeds are best kept in the refrigerator or freezer. First Name:. Last Name:. Email address:. Toggle navigation. Fiber is indigestible material found in foods. Studies show that fiber has various health benefits, including weight loss and improved digestive…. Flax seeds are small seeds. They are are high in fiber and offer many health benefits.

Here is detailed health and nutrition information on flax seeds. Along with a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Here are 6 super seeds to eat for better health. Learn about the side effects of flaxseed oil.

Does it interfere with certain medications? Find out here. Flax seeds can be beneficial for weight loss because of their unique nutritional properties.

While they carry real benefits, they're not a magic…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Blender or food processor Coffee grinder By hand Storage Bottom line We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Flax seeds are tiny seeds that are packed with nutrients. This article reviews the best ways to grind flax seeds. Share on Pinterest. Blender or food processor. Coffee grinder. By hand. The bottom line.