How to Eat Flax Seeds

Properly prepared flax seeds are nutritional powerhouses.

Don't let the tiny, unimposing size of the flax seed fool you. Packed inside every teeny seed is a mountain of nutritional benefit. For instance, flax seeds are excellent sources of calcium and fiber. They also contain lignans, plant compounds scientifically found to stave off cancer. What's more, they contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, there's a catch--if prepared improperly, flax seeds offer virtually no nutritional advantage to your system.

Things You'll Need

• Whole flax seeds, golden or brown
• Food grinder
• Opaque food storage container
• Water
• Saucepan

Instructions

Grinding Flax Seeds

1. Take 2 to 3 tbsp. (one serving) of flax seed and place in a food grinder

2. Grind the flax seeds until they are fully broken up into small shards

3. Eat immediately alone or mix with the food of your choice

4. To prepare more than one serving of flax seeds, repeat Steps 1 and 2 above, then store the ground flax seeds in an air-tight, opaque food storage container.

5. Place the container in the refrigerator, or in an area where it won't be exposed to any amount of heat above room temperature.

Drinking Flax Seed Oil

1. Boil water based on the amount you'd like to drink. Use a ratio of 1/2 cup of water for every tablespoon of flax seeds.

2. Place flax seeds in the water and boil for about 10 minutes, or until it's clear the oil is being drawn out fully from the seeds

3. Strain the mixture into a mug to remove the seeds and allow to cool a bit before drinking.

4. Add some apple cider vinegar, sugar, or another flavor of your choice and drink.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to boil water, place a serving of flax seeds into about 1 cup of warm water and let it sit for at least a few hours. Strain out the seeds and drink in the evening before bed.

• Mix ground flax seeds in yogurt, or sprinkle into the batter or dough for various baked goods, such as muffins, bread and more.

• Eating flax seeds whole offers no nutritional benefit. Whole flax seeds are very difficult to digest and will pass through your system whole. Flax seeds in whole form can aggravate digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.

• While it's possible to purchase flax seed oil, it's prone to becoming rancid and usually doesn't last long, even in the refrigerator. That's why it's a bit more nutritionally advantageous to draw out the flax seed oil from the whole seeds yourself.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Ameriflax: Flax Seed Recipes