Comments on: Flaxseed – Whole Seed vs. Ground

By: Marion

Marion — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:04:22 +0000

I have recently moved to southern France. I know the oil is banned but would like to buy some flax seeds. Can you tell me where I might buy some? Thanks

By: Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight - Lisa Nelson RD » Blog Archive » Flaxseed and cholesterol - 3 Ways to Use Flax to Reduce Heart Disease

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:54:11 +0000

[...] is a great diet addition if you are looking to reduce your risk for heart disease. Flaxseed is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytochemical [...]

By: Lisa Nelson RD

Lisa Nelson RD — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:42:17 +0000

Hi Carol,

I’m glad you asked this question. It was good to do a little more research regarding the safety of flax seed.

From the research I completed, it appears that France has banned flaxseed oil. The country still allows foods fortified with flax, such as pastas, eggs, etc. Flaxseed oil when heated is a concern and it’s best to add the oil to a food after cooking prep is complete.

Ground flaxseed is not as unstable as the oil. However, if you want to play it safe, add the ground flax towards the end of the cooking cycle, such as sprinkle in your chili after you’re done heating. However, I did not find any studies reporting a danger related to heating ground flax seed, only the flax seed oil.

I hope this helps.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD

By: Lisa Nelson RD

Lisa Nelson RD — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:55:41 +0000

Hi Carol,

I want to double check on the effect of heat on flax before giving you an answer to that question.

As far as amount, there is controversy regarding how much omega 3 is beneficial and where to draw the line.

Here are the recommendations of The American Heart Association:

The AHA recommends that individuals without heart disease eat a variety of fish twice a week, use heart healthy oils (flaxseed, canola, soybean oils), and consume flaxseed and walnuts.

For individuals with heart disease, the AHA recommends 1 g of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily, preferably from fatty fish.

The AHA recommends 2 to 4 g of EPA + DHA daily, under physician’s care only, for individuals that need to lower triglycerides. High doses, > 3 grams/day, can result in excessive bleeding. (Do not self medicate! Talk to your MD before supplementing greater than 2 grams.)

It’s the excessive bleeding risk that is controversial. Some studies show a link between omega 3′s and increased bleeding, others show not link, and some actually show a decreased risk.

I’ll get back to you on the safety of heated flax.

All the best,
Lisa

By: Carol Rodriguez

Carol Rodriguez — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:24:03 +0000

I’m back. It worries me that the French have banned this product because it is derived from linseed. In their report it says that flax seed when heated becomes toxic. Here you recommend it as an ingredient
in many recipes that require cooking. Would you please elaborate on that? As much as I want the benefits, I want to know that I’m not harming myself.
Thanks again,
Carol Rodriguez.

By: Carol Rodriguez

Carol Rodriguez — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:12:40 +0000

Can ground flax seed be taken with flax seed oil? If so, what amounts
of each should be used on a daily basis?
I usually take one fish oil capsule 1,000mg (wild caught small fish)in the morning plus an organic flax oil capsule 1200mg in the evening. Can it be over done?
Thanks,
Carol Rodriguez.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:33:19 +0000

We get so many of our emails around flax seed that it has overwhelmed my editors. For such a small little seed it packs a powerful nutritional punch. We will continue to learn more about this wonderful gift from mother nature.

The number one goof with this seed is people are taking it WHOLE. It must be ground up. We have found that 45-60 seconds in the coffee grinder is just right. Then apply it to your recipes….