FlaxFAQs

Is golden flax seed healthier?
Because golden flaxseed is typically grown at lower latitudes than brown flaxseed, it contains slightly less alpha linolenic acid than brown flaxseed, and has higher levels of protein. Some people prefer the taste or appearance of golden flaxseed.

Will whole flaxseeds do me any good?
There is no benefit to eating whole flaxseeds except perhaps a laxative effect. Whole seeds that have gone through the digestive tract have been known to sprout! For optimal nutritional, grind them in a coffee grinder for a few seconds. The action of the teeth grinding the seeds is not sufficient to release the oils from the hardy seed coating.

What is LNA?
LNA is another abbreviation for alpha-linolenic acid, the omega-3 fatty acid found in flax. It's also referred to as ALA.

Should I drink water when consuming flaxseeds?
The mucilage in flax absorbs water; therefore, recommendations are to include 5 times the volume of the flax as fluid. (Great tasting smoothies are one way to insure this!)

What is mucilage?
Mucilage is a soft, water-soluble fiber. It soothes and protects the stomach and intestinal lining, and buffers excess acid. The mucilage from flax (flax contains 12% mucilage) lowers cholesterol and helps stabilize blood glucose. It also feeds the "good" bacteria in the gut.

Why do experts recommend that cottage cheese be consumed with flax oil?
It is thought that sulpher-containing proteins such as cottage cheese and yogurt are necessary to optimize the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA. However, sulpher is readily available in vegetarian diets--it's particularly abundant in onions and garlic. Tofu or other soy products are adequate substitutes for the cottage cheese. (Again, try a soy-based smoothie!)

What are lignans?
Lignans are phytoestrogens, plant hormones that mimic the function of hormones in the human body, at much lower levels. By inhibiting the function of harmful estrogen, lignans and other plant hormones are thought to prevent breast and prostate cancer.

What is Omega-6?
The other essential fatty acid, omega-6, also known as linoleic acid, is found in sunflower oil, safflower oil, and other commonly used oils. Although it's also essential to health, LA (linoleic acid) has become far too prevalent in the modern diet. It's a precursor to certain prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and ultimately may worsen many conditions. A balance of omega-6 to omega-3 is crucial for proper control of immune responses, and recommendations are for no more than a 4:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. (The typical American diet contains 20:1.)

Do flaxseeds have a short shelf life?
Not especially. Studies have shown identical nutritional benefits after one year's storage at 72 degrees. The oil, however, must be refrigerated for optimal freshness and nutrition.

Can flax "warm me up?"
Flax increases matabolic rate. It stimulates oxidation, thereby increasing energy production. We feel this as warmth. Again, the fact that omega-3 fatty acids naturally occur in cold climates indicate its beneficial role for the "climate challenged".

Does flax contribute to weight loss?
According to studies conducted by Ann Gittleman, omega-3 oils proved beneficial to weight loss by speeding up metabolism. Good fats also contribute to a feeling of satiety, thus making it easier to stick to a diet.

How many calories in flaxseed?
A cup of ground flaxseed contains 585 calories. A tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 36 calories.

Why not fish?
Although fish contains fatty acids known to have health benefits, there are compelling reasons to avoid fish. Fish contains arachidonic acid, a precursor to a hormone-like substance that is known to worsen symptoms of ailments associated with pain, inflammation and swelling. Most alarming, practically all sources of fish are now known to contain chemical contaminants, including cancer-causing DDT, which are stored in the fat cells. Even fish from the remote Arctic regions have been found to be contaminated. Farm raised fish, often fed meal laden with pesticides, contain lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Flax oil is also cheaper than fish oil, and, when properly handled, fresher.

What if I can't afford flax oil?
Flaxseeds are an inexpensive way to incorporate flax into the diet. You can find them in bulk at many health food stores, at less than $2 a lb.

Is flaxseed good for pets?
The vital omega 3 oils in flaxseed are vital to your pet's nutrition, too. Pour the oil on a bowl of dry kibble, or add ground flaxseeds to their meal. Not only will their coats be shinier, and their overall health improved, but there is evidence that flaxseed can prevent or reduce tumors.

Are there other uses for flaxseed?
In addition to its health benefits, flaxseeds have numerous practical benefits. A handful of flaxseeds will plug small leaks in car and tractor radiators. Flax mucilage works just fine as hair gel. Regular consumption of flax also sweetens breath. Hot compresses of flax swelled with hot water draw toxins, and soothe and heal boils, bruises, and other skin afflictions. A flax seed placed inside the eyelid soothes inflammation and helps lessen pain if sharp grit gets into an eye. (I haven't tried this one!)