How to Eat Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil made from crushed yellow or black flax seeds contain Omega-3,-6 and -9 oils and lignans. Omega-3, -6 and -9 are essential fatty acids that have been shown in medical studies to help reduce levels of harmful cholesterol in the body. Lignans are believed to have antioxidant effects and are also phytoestrogens. In studies with women fighting breast cancer, those who consumed flax seeds have less tumor growth than those who did not. Per tablespoon, flaxseed oil contains about 14 grams of fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat and no trans fat. It does contain 8 grams of Omega-3, 2 grams of Omega-6 and 3 grams of Omega-9. Learn how to use flaxseed oil below to reap its heart-protective benefits. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Purchase organic flaxseed oil from the refrigerated section of health food stores. At home, keep flaxseed oil refrigerated or freeze additional bottles and thaw in the refrigerator for future use.
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Consuming flaxseed oil like a supplement is the most direct way to eat it: swallowing 1 to 2 tablespoons daily directly from the bottle. The flavor is mild and similar to a nutty butter. It does not have a thick consistency like cod liver oil (and is much more palatable).
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Drizzle flaxseed oil over salads, steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes or potato skins. Do not heat, or cook with flaxseed oil as that destroys its nutritional benefits. Splash flaxseed oil over brown rice or basmati, millet, wheat berries, or oatmeal, or add it to any blender drink. Combined with dairy, soy, or rice milk, protein powder and sweet fruits (fresh or frozen), it cannot be tasted or detected.
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If you are unable to locate flaxseed oil at your local health food stores, you can still receive its nutritional benefits from consuming whole flax seeds. Grinding whole flax seeds and consuming them sprinkled over cereals, in batter for muffins or waffles as well as sprinkled over salads offer similar health benefits. It is important to grind the seeds as doing so makes the oils more available: eating the flax seeds whole does not.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use flaxseed oil as a cooking or frying oil as the oil will become rancid and not provide any nutritional benefits. Flaxseed oil must be consumed uncooked in liquid form or by grinding whole flax seeds and either sprinkling them on cereals or baking them in sweet baked goods.
