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Flax Seeds

CristalBelle Posts: 1,389 Joined: 2003/06/27	2004/05/12, 03:30 PM What exactly are flax seeds, and what do they do?? I am eating a homemade "bar" made out of low fat brownie mix, dried cherrys, protien powder, walnuts, sunflower seeds & flax seeds. I think they taste great, and I love the crunch, but Don't really have any idea what they are good for.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/05/12, 10:38 PM Flaxseed is, ounce for ounce, the richest source of omega fatty acids and lignans (potent cancer fighters) known in nature. The immune-enhancing omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 are balanced in the combination your body requires for optimal health. Also loaded with vitamins and phytonutrients, and an excellent source of protein and fiber. Some studies have confirmed its ability to benefit those at risk for or suffering from a broad range of health problems including: * Heart disease/elevated cholesterol * Hypertension/high blood pressure * Diabetes * Certain cancers (breast, prostate) * Rheumatoid Arthritis/Lupus * Eczema/Psoriasis/skin problems * Side Effects of Menopause and Osteoporosis * Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, and Constipation * Multiple Sclerosis * Endomytriosis * Hair restoration * Insomnia * Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
david_s81 Posts: 543 Joined: 2004/04/09	2004/05/13, 12:40 AM As I understand, this is not only a supplementary vitamin, but you can cook with it too, right? Flaxseed oil? -------------- In order to live, you must be willing to die.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/05/13, 09:56 AM No, do not cook with flaxsed oil. Has a low smokepoint and the heat will turn the oil rancid. The oil must be refrigerated and kept prefferably in a dark bottle. ============ Quoting from david_s81: As I understand, this is not only a supplementary vitamin, but you can cook with it too, right? Flaxseed oil? ============= -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
PrairieGirl Posts: 136 Joined: 2004/04/22	2004/05/13, 10:20 AM http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/primer.htm Has some really good info. If you're using flax seed, I believe you have to really chew it to get all the benefits, or grind it up (in a coffee grinder for example). But if you grind it, be sure you use it soon or store it in the fridge. It can go rancid very quickly. I use a flax oil supplement but also like to throw a tablespoon or two of flax seed into my soup, stews, etc.
dstrick Posts: 18 Joined: 2004/05/09	2004/05/13, 12:31 PM Don't know anything about it, but can you use the oil on salads with vinigar?
dstrick Posts: 18 Joined: 2004/05/09	2004/05/13, 12:31 PM Don't know anything about it, but can you use the oil on salads with vinigar?
david_s81 Posts: 543 Joined: 2004/04/09	2004/05/13, 03:30 PM That's good. I was looking for flaxseed oil a while back and found it to be very expensive anyway. Turns out it would have been a bad idea. -------------- In order to live, you must be willing to die.
CristalBelle Posts: 1,389 Joined: 2003/06/27	2004/05/13, 03:35 PM I love the way the seeds taste, and they are really really cheap. I will be going to buy some here soon. It is good to know how they help in being healthy!
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/05/13, 03:36 PM I use flax MEAL. Sprinkle it on salads, cottage cheese...whatever strikes my fancy.... can't really taste it... does it have the same benefit as flax oil? t -------------- Tim "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self." Aristotle TimDay@freetrainers.com
angelsnow Posts: 122 Joined: 2003/02/11	2004/05/13, 04:38 PM I have used all 3 oil ,seeds and meal .I make a point of taking 1-2 tbsp of oil each day and I love the flax meal in my cereal etc ..I also love the seeds though I can't say I chew them well :(. I think the benefits are great. -------------- "If you are going to walk on thin ice you might as well dance" angelsnow@freetrainers.com
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/05/13, 06:40 PM Without grinding it, you basically have a laxative. Pure fiber. ============ Quoting from prairiegirl: http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/primer.htm Has some really good info. If you're using flax seed, I believe you have to really chew it to get all the benefits, or grind it up (in a coffee grinder for example). But if you grind it, be sure you use it soon or store it in the fridge. It can go rancid very quickly. I use a flax oil supplement but also like to throw a tablespoon or two of flax seed into my soup, stews, etc. ============= -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/05/15, 08:15 PM You can consume it any way you like(except heated!). If you can stand the taste, just take a tbsp. with your alloted meals. If not, you can mix it in protein shakes at bed for instance, this is a great time for flax, or mix it with your salad dressing, etc. -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
oaer55 Posts: 33 Joined: 2004/03/28	2004/05/15, 12:22 PM Any suggestions of what products are good and affordable?
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/05/15, 01:12 PM I am really partial to Barleans or Spectrum Essentials. -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
oaer55 Posts: 33 Joined: 2004/03/28	2004/05/15, 03:14 PM Thank you bb1fit what's the differents between flex oils with ligna or without it? (price is about the same..)
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/05/15, 04:52 PM The higher the lignan content, the more fiber it retains. -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
oaer55 Posts: 33 Joined: 2004/03/28	2004/05/15, 07:53 PM so I assume the higher lignan is better, and also, how do you consume it? And when and how many times a day should it be taken? Thank you!
nadia216 Posts: 30 Joined: 2003/08/07	2004/05/24, 09:00 AM Flax seed oil is essential for veggies (who don't eat fish) as it's one of the richest sources of omega 3 - and it's great for the skin. I pour it onto salad, with lemon juice.
k1972pat Posts: 154 Joined: 2003/06/10	2004/07/07, 07:12 AM I bought some Flax Seed oil in gel caplets from Wal-mart, is this the same type of product everyone is talking about?
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/07/07, 09:43 PM Yes, but it is not as cost effective. ============ Quoting from k1972pat: I bought some Flax Seed oil in gel caplets from Wal-mart, is this the same type of product everyone is talking about? ============= -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
parko03 Posts: 156 Joined: 2004/01/28	2004/07/14, 02:22 PM But is more convienent for some.
Lonegirl Posts: 446 Joined: 2002/11/13	2004/08/27, 08:37 AM yes flax and linseed are the same...it is important to grind the seeds to have the benefits of the OFA's otherwise they go right through as humasnd can't digest whole seeds.
CodyGrizz Posts: 51 Joined: 2004/09/10	2004/09/25, 01:24 PM OK..started my flax seed oil today, picked it up at GNC ($13 for a medium sized bottle) going to use a tablespoon in my 1st protien shake of the day..and so far this stuff taste pretty bad! Used it in a bannana/peanut butter protien shake and could taste it over it all! Are there any brands that have a lighter taste..1st and last drink of the glass were the worst!
krispjorn Posts: 3 Joined: 2004/11/09	2004/11/09, 08:10 PM I wouldn't personally place the importance of flax over fish oil supplementation, however it is an important 2nd best...Polquin's book on Body Composition states a 10-15g intake of fish oils, coupled with 8-10g flax oil for improving body comp; these oils combined being a "natural hydroxycut" without the negative side effects. This from research as well as personal experience...
Ksee128 Posts: 71 Joined: 2003/06/11	2005/04/21, 02:35 PM Okay, I have a stupid question...How do you guys grind up the seeds?
nikkilind Posts: 100 Joined: 2005/02/11	2005/05/12, 11:51 PM I heard that soaking them overnite helps aid in digestion. Try that.
dafrench Posts: 4 Joined: 2002/05/08	2005/06/13, 07:05 PM On the flax seed tip, I grind up maybe 6-8 Tbsp at a time in my coffee grinder (haven't made coffee in months) and store it in a small tupperware in the fridge. Use it on salads, cottage cheese, yogurt, smoothies, etc. I find it to be very mild.
London Posts: 176 Joined: 2003/01/10	2005/06/19, 09:10 AM I bought some wheat fetuccini pasta noddles that said it has flax seed/omega 3 in them. They were actually pretty good.
joladepoe Posts: 2 Joined: 2006/03/09	2006/03/11, 01:20 PM Is it okay to freeze the gound flax seeds? I keep the whole seeds in the freezer and every few days grind 1 cup of them which I store in a tight container in the freezer with a little scoop in it. It is so easy to just pop a scopp full on most everything I eat. My daughter loves it on ice cream! for snacks at work I have it with yoghurt...sometimes also with raspberries. Is it harmful to eat too much of it?
chellie1234 Posts: 156 Joined: 2004/12/29	2006/03/11, 02:23 PM I have read it is okay to freeze them. I keep mine in the refrigerator. There is a link at the top of this thread. I suggest reading that it should answer most of your questions.
yessicarathsak Posts: 249 Joined: 2007/09/20	2007/10/05, 09:58 AM My dad puts flaxseeds in almost everything he makes. He uses them in protein shakes, muffins, pancakes, and lots of other stuff. We have a Vita-Mix at home, and that's how he grinds them up. We get the seeds either from a whole foods store or just from pick-n-save. :big_smile: