Flax seeds are a magical health food that we hear a lot about but don't always know what to do with. Do you eat flax seeds? They're extremely high in omega-3 fatty acids, and they also have a deliciously nutty and toasty flavor. Here are five ways to get them in your diet.
There are two sorts of flax seed: golden yellow (as pictured above), and a russet brown. Both have the same nutritional profile, and they are both from the flax plant, which is also used to produce linen. Flax seeds can be ground to produce flaxseed (or linseed) oil.
Flax seeds go rancid extremely quickly; they can go bad in as little as a week, so be sure to store them in the refrigerator. They also need to be lightly ground to remove their hard hulls before eating. Grind them in batches of 2-3 tablespoons in a coffee or spice grinder before adding them to any of the foods below.
- In cereal - One of the best ways to eat flax seeds is for breakfast. Try them in one of these cereals, or in homemade granola.
- In homemade granola bars - Ever made your own granola bars? No? Try these, and add some flax seed for nutty flavor.
- On yogurt - Flax seeds give nutty texture and flavor to a lunchtime bowl of yogurt, with fruit.
- On oatmeal - This is so delicious; sprinkle flax seeds in your homemade oatmeal for a little extra texture and flavor.
- As an egg substitute - Flax seeds mixed with water can also be used as a vegan egg substitute in baking. Here's how!
Do you have favorite ways to eat flax seeds? Tell us!
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I always add them to smoothies.
where did you got the info about flaxseed oil not being safe for human consumption? every single one of my health care providers has recommended its use, especially in pregnancy, and the mayo clinic has found it beneficial - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/NS_patient-flaxseed/DSECTION=evidence
i use it on salads in place of olive oil, on avocados and tomatoes, on warm or cold pasta or grains. it should never be heated or used on hot foods, however.
Yeah I'm also wondering where you got the info on flaxseed oil. I personally do not like the taste so I put a tablespoon in my smoothie each morning. Also drink a flaxseed, cranberry juice elixir each morning - or rather choke down as it is pretty lumpy.
@nenasadije I took out that bit. It was in a medical article I read for the post; but it was too isolated.
I get the flax seed oatmeal from Trader Joe's, which is really tasty.
@faith thanks! sorry to come off as defensive. i just had a little heart attack thinking i was doing something wrong that could be potentially harmful to my unborn baby. i'd still love to see the article if you'd like to share. you can email me directly at ryanstanley at email dot com.
I didn't know flax seeds went rancid quickly! I've been eating from a huge (unrefrigerated) container every morning for months - how can you even tell if they're rancid?
I love grinding them up and mixing them into my bread dough. It gives a great nutty flavoring and makes me feel slightly less guilty about eating the whole loaf in two days.
I keep my flax seed in a grinder, so i can grind it over my meal just before i eat it. I heard that is a great way to really benefit from its healty properties.
Flax seeds do not need to be lightly ground before eating. They are perfectly edible when whole, and in fact many commercially prepared products that contain flax use whole flax seed. Grinding flax seeds IS recommended if you're interested in getting the benefit from the omega 3s (as most of us are) - grinding them makes flax seeds easier to digest.
I eat flaxseed just about daily either in my morning oatmeal or sprinkled over my yogurt and if I'm making a smoothie, a couple of tablespoons go in there too!
I add ground flax seed to pancake batter.
i put it on salad along with a handful of craisins and a little vinaigrette. i love croutons, but the flaxseeds are a nice replacement.
I put them in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast.
@nenasadije - don't put them on hot foods? I've been adding them to my oatmeal as it cooks under the impression it's good for me - am I wasting my time?
Wait I thought they were extremely high in phytoestrogens? I avoid soy for the same reason. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I would love some informed feedback!
on an open faced peanut butter and honey sandwich! With milk, of course!
I know from research in natural products chemistry, that to gain the cancer-fighting benefits from Flax seed, that you DO need to grind them. Whole flax seeds are literally just flushed through your body and out the other end, excuse the graphics-ness. I am on a quest to tell everyone this info! They don't do anything for you, nutritionally, they end up fully whole same as you ate them.