What is Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is a kind of seed, plant-based food that provides good fat, antioxidants, and fiber. Some people call it a “functional food,” which means that a person can eat it to boost their health. These ordinary-looking seeds are tiny, but they are packed with giant nutritional benefits. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed make it a popular health food.

Flaxseed Benefits

For vegetarians and vegans, getting enough omega-3 fatty acids is a challenge since they are found primarily in cold-water fish. Flaxseed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, the plant version of omega-3 fat.

What Does Flaxseed do to Your Body?

Flaxseed is a super-food and fatty acid. Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also get lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. So, you should use it often.

Selection and Storage

Flaxseed can be purchased whole or ground. Color ranges from deep gold to reddish-brown, depending on variety, but nutritional benefits are similar very similar. Since ground flaxseed is extremely perishable, it’s best to buy it whole and grind it as needed. Ground flaxseed should be purchased in a vacuum-sealed package or under refrigeration. Once ground, store the flaxseed meal in the freezer and use it within a few weeks. Discard any flaxseed that tastes at all bitter.

How to Prepare Flaxseed to Eat?

Grinding is the best way to eat for sure. Since whole flax seeds aren’t able to be fully digested by the body, they have to be ground up before you eat them. The best way to do this is in a small coffee grinder, spice mill, or even a mortar and pestle. Grind just what you need, though, because ground meal spoils quickly. Also, Flax seeds don’t require soaking and dehydration in order to use them.

It’s easier to eat flaxseed with yogurt.