Fresh Flaxseed vs. purchasing Flaxseed meal

kelllina
kelllina Posts: 7
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hey everyone,

I just picked up a bag of Flaxseed meal since I wasn't able to find whole Flaxseeds. Is there a difference? Is it better to buy the seeds fresh and ground at home, or does the Flaxseed meal work just as effectively?

Thanks!

Replies

  • Ejwelton
    Ejwelton Posts: 331 Member
    I prefer them ground. The seeds just get stuck in my teeth!
  • wftiger
    wftiger Posts: 1,283 Member
    To get the nutritional benefits of flax it has to be ground.

    The only difference I have ever heard of is that the ground will go rancid faster. I think you are supposed to refrigerate it but I would check that fact as I don't use flaxseed so not sure.

    BTW, Chia seeds are just as beneficial and they don't have to be ground up. Just letting you know if you wanted to try them the next time you had trouble finding the flaxseed.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    Are Chia seeds as good in terms of fibre and constipation though ?
  • tpittsley77
    tpittsley77 Posts: 607 Member
    To get the nutritional benefits of flax it has to be ground.

    The only difference I have ever heard of is that the ground will go rancid faster. I think you are supposed to refrigerate it but I would check that fact as I don't use flaxseed so not sure.

    BTW, Chia seeds are just as beneficial and they don't have to be ground up. Just letting you know if you wanted to try them the next time you had trouble finding the flaxseed.

    This^^^^^ Flax must be ground or you will pass them whole and not get the benefits. Once ground, you must refrigerate or they will go rancid. Chia seeds are very beneficial, but they get a gelatinous texture, so if you are texture sensitive, be warned! I like them in salads tho.
  • Maddo2545
    Maddo2545 Posts: 8
    Ground Flax seed is better for absorbing the nutirents just because your body will just let the whole seeds pass through almost completly Intact. In terms of buying it whole and then grinding, I prefer that just because I can vary the texture with what i'm putting the flax seed in.
  • irridia
    irridia Posts: 527 Member
    They also lose some of their vitamins and oils to oxidation once ground. Keeping ground ones around for a day or 2 or even 3 probably not going to lose much but pre-ground probably questionable that it lives up to its stats because of the oxidation process.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,281 Member
    Buy the seed for sure and grind at home. Buying the meal doesn't ensure quality, anything can be added to save costs and the omega oils will start to oxidize soon after grinding and who knows how long the meal has been sitting.
  • iKristine
    iKristine Posts: 288 Member
    Just once it's meal you have to refridgerate it. That's all. I get it both ways. I actually prefer the seed whole for my cereal. But whatever works for you I would say.
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