Flax seed oil?????

[Skyeblu]

Ok, I bought a bottle yesterday....now what do I do with it

Can I mix it in my olive oil and balsamic vinegarette on salads? I don't even know what it tastes like, I haven't opened it so not sure what I can put it in.

How often, how much????? and what exactly are the benefits of me actually taking this. I am an very healthy eater so what benefits will this have for me?

Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

Skye

 

[Mckmain]

I think Flaxseed is best used in the natural state. I used the ground flaxseed in my smoothies every day. I got this from a website:

Why Flaxseed Is Good Medicine

Current nutrition research continues to identify various substances in foods that appear to act as protectors against chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Flaxseed, a popular food ingredient in Europe and Canada, is no exception. The reasons are many:

• Several studies confirm that flaxseed can be a cholesterol-lowering agent like oat bran, fruit pectin and other food ingredients that contain soluble fibre. By packaging both omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fibre together, flaxseed presents two ingredients that favour healthy blood lipid patterns.

• Flaxseed contains healthy amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Scientists at the American National Cancer Institute singled out flaxseed as one of six foods that deserved special study. The reason: flaxseed shows potential cancer-fighting ability. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen which may protect against cancer, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers such as those of the breast and prostate.

Hope this helps...Carole

 

[jdoll]

i take it in capsule form b/c i can't stand the liquid. i know that's not the best news.


jes

 

[kathryn]

Like Carole, I prefer the whole flax seed, either freshly ground, or flax meal that I keep in the freezer. In addition to the omega-3's in the oil, you get healthy fiber that way. It is also less perishible than the oil, which can go rancid quite quickly when exposed to oxygen.

I have, however, started adding a Vegan Omega oil mix (a blend of flax, borage, sunflower, cocoanut and perilla oils) to my a.m. smoothie.

Whatever you do, DON'T cook with it, as heating can destroy some of the nutrients.

 

[Skyeblu]

Thanks everyone...useful information, as usual. I'll try the ground variety next time.
:7

 

[Debra L]

I buy both the flax meal & the oil. The taste of the oil is not great so I mix it with olive oil when I make salad dressing. A drizzle on soup or vegetables is pretty good.

The ground flax seeds (meal) can be used in baked goods but the poster above (Carole?) is correct that the oil should not be used for cooking. It has a low smoke point (burns easily).

Debra

 

[rjroubi]

I use it daily in my salad dressing. It also enhances the flavor of a banana smoothie. Personally, I do not recommend it for my DH because there are too many conflicting reports regarding its use in men and prostate health. I am aware that some studies suggest the ground seeds are safe and beneficial for men, but he would much rather stay away from it and I don't blame him.

Robin