flaxseed???

momof3babes
momof3babes Posts: 103
edited September 25 in Food and Nutrition
I have noticed a lot of people using flaxseed to things? What exactly is the added nutrient you get from flaxseed? Is it to add fiber? Can you add it to most anything? Sorry, maybe be a silly question but I don't have a lot of "experience" with flaxseed. :-) Thanks for helping!

Replies

  • sweetsarahj
    sweetsarahj Posts: 701 Member
    Flax seed is a great source of fiber, and it also can reduce cholesterol, because it binds to the cholesterol and prevents it from being absorbed. You can add ground flaxseed to almost anything. However, be caerful with whole flaxseed, since if you eat the whole thing without the shell being broken, it could pass right through you.

    I bought some shelled flaxseeds in maple flavor, I put it on oatmeal, penut butter + toast, etc. You can mix the ground stuff into muffins, bread, stirfry...
  • heniko
    heniko Posts: 796 Member
    There are numerous flax seed benefits on health. The flax seed may be a tiny creation of Nature, but it is turbo packed with many vital nutrients and energy boosters.

    The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient packages on the planet. Technically, it falls outside the definition of a grain, but contains vitamins and minerals that are similar to the profile of grains.

    Flax seeds contain high levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids.In addition, flax may lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. In addition, that amount of flax seed more than meets our daily requirements of copper, phosphorus, as well as total fat. It can meet 61% of our daily protein needs, 16% of our total daily carbohydrate needs, as well as 45% of our daily caloric needs.

    Vitamins

    Vitamin B6 – 40%
    Vitamin C – 2%
    Vitamin E – 3%
    Vitamin K – 9%
    Folate – 37%
    Niacin – 26%
    Pantothenic Acid – 17%
    Riboflavin – 16%

    Minerals

    Calcium 43%
    Iron 53%
    Potassium – 39%
    Selenium – 61%
    Sodium – 2%
    Zinc – 49%
  • bzmom
    bzmom Posts: 1,332 Member
    And good source of Omega I put it in my shakes in the morning and I do not taste the difference at all.
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    I've heard it's good, but I didn't know why. So thanks for asking.

    Where do people buy it?? I've looked in all of our regular grocery stores, but I'm not finding it. Do I need to go to health food stores? My husband makes his own granola, and he wants to add flax seed. Thanks for the tip about grinding it - didn't know!
  • losermomof3
    losermomof3 Posts: 386 Member
    I have been looking for it also. I cant believe my local grocery store doesnt carry it...UGH!!!
  • forgiven4life
    forgiven4life Posts: 451
    I usually find my flax in my regular grocery store either in the health food section or sometimes with the flours.
  • alliecore
    alliecore Posts: 446 Member
    I LOVE flaxseed! I buy it in bulk, then grind a cup or so and put it in the freezer.

    I like to add it to smoothies, oatmeal, greek yogurt, granola, even pancakes! There are so many nutritional benefits. Healthy and yummy! :)
  • heniko
    heniko Posts: 796 Member
    You can buy whole flaxseeds, flax meal or flax oil at most health food stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's etc. Bob's Red Mill makes a nice flaxmeal that you can make bake with ... http://www.bobsredmill.com/flaxseed-meal.html

    BTW it's cheaper at Whole Foods the flaxmeal like under 10$


    Also great sub for flour in breads, muffins but also sub for eggs too!
  • losermomof3
    losermomof3 Posts: 386 Member
    How much flaxseed do you put in your food? Do you put it your food throughout the day or only once? Thanks!!!
  • alliecore
    alliecore Posts: 446 Member
    How much flaxseed do you put in your food? Do you put it your food throughout the day or only once? Thanks!!!
    I put 2 tbsp ground flax into my foods....but if you add to baking, etc you could do more.
    I watch my fiber intake, and if I need more I sometimes use it a couple times a day. I struggle with irregularity....if you don't, you may want to slowly add so that your digestive system has time to adjust. :)
  • momof3babes
    momof3babes Posts: 103
    Thank you so much for the ideas!! I did buy whole flaxseed. How do you grind it? Do I need to buy something special for that? Can I throw it into anything that I'm baking or does it have to be certain flaxseed for baking?
  • Triathlynne
    Triathlynne Posts: 99
    I use it in a lot of things also. I bake my own bread and add some to the mix. You can easily grind it using a pestle and mortar bowl like I do. I also chuck it into salads, smoothies and oatmeal. I buy it in bulk too as it's much cheaper. I also use flaxseed oil for salad dressings as well but that can be pretty expensive.
  • momof3babes
    momof3babes Posts: 103
    Okay, is it possible to get too much flaxseed in a day? Obviously I wouldn't go overboard, but would it be a problem if it was over a litlte?
  • Triathlynne
    Triathlynne Posts: 99
    I just googled and got this: # Dosage: Take 2 to 4 tablespoons, ground, daily (start with 2 and work up to 4 tablespoons)
  • momof3babes
    momof3babes Posts: 103
    THanks so much!!
  • Triathlynne
    Triathlynne Posts: 99
    No problem. I don't know how accurate that is however. lol. But it seems a reasonable amount.
  • dlaplume2
    dlaplume2 Posts: 1,658 Member
    I use it. It adds fiber, omega 3 essential fatty acids, antioxidants and a nutty flavor.

    I add it to my oatmeal, yogurt and pancake mix.
  • Bootzey
    Bootzey Posts: 274 Member
    Be careful. I used to love flaxseed crackers until I found it had a million calories in them!
  • heniko
    heniko Posts: 796 Member
    I posted a flax muffin recipe on here.
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