Help when deciding which form of flax seed is right for you!
It is often if someone is looking to buy flax seed for the first time they end up somewhat paralyzed by the amount of choice that there is out there in the market place. So to help you decide which form of this great little seed is for you, here is a rundown of the positives and negatives of the different forms.
Initially it is best to cover the principle benefits you get when you buy flax seed. Firstly flaxseed provides the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. After it has been changed by your body, the end product helps to maintain proper brain functioning, helps to control cholesterol and fat levels, necessary for good skin, improves your immune system functioning etc etc. Secondly, you obtain flax seed fibre. Soluble fibre helps to control blood sugar levels and insoluble fibre bulks up the contents of your bowel and helps it to move along your digestive system. Flax lignans are also obtained, which are a type of phytonutrient. These compounds are oestrogen like and also act as antioxidants. Finally, Flaxseed is a good source of minerals e.g. calcium, zinc, magnesium etc.
Whole Flaxseed: This is the cheapest form to buy flax seed in. With its long shelf life, you have the flexibility to buy in bulk and so benefit from the cheaper cost. You can buy brown or golden flaxseed as it doesn't seem to make any difference to the nutritional value. Another benefit is that you obtain all the benefits mentioned above. The only real negative to this form is that you need to grind it e.g. utilizing a coffee grinder. In its complete form, flaxseed won't be digested and you will waste your money. All the goodness becomes available for you to digest when you eat it in the ground flaxseed form.
Flaxseed Meal: Leading on from the last section, the main benefit is you get convenience. With no need to grind it down, you just open up the packet and scatter over your cereals, soups and yogurt etc. This form of flax provides all the benefits mentioned above and the only real negative is its shelf life. Flaxseed meal is prone to oxidation, a process that means the oil in it goes rancid and so cannot be used by your body. Keeping the flax meal in your fridge will help to prolong its shelf life but you will still need to use your supply reasonable quickly.
Flaxseed oil: This provides a different way to consume flax. It can be poured onto salads for example. It is a great form to obtain the essential fatty acid from but on the negative side, you don't get the fibre, the same amounts of minerals or the lignans. Like the flax seed meal, this oil is vulnerable to oxidation and so it doesn't have a prolonged shelf life.
Flax Seed Oil Capsules: If you don't like the texture or flavor of the oil poured on your food then the capsule form could suit you fine. It is a great way of getting the essential fatty acid, but you won't get the benefit of the fibre, minerals or lignans (however some manufacturers put them to their oil).
So there you go.... I hope it helps :)
Initially it is best to cover the principle benefits you get when you buy flax seed. Firstly flaxseed provides the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. After it has been changed by your body, the end product helps to maintain proper brain functioning, helps to control cholesterol and fat levels, necessary for good skin, improves your immune system functioning etc etc. Secondly, you obtain flax seed fibre. Soluble fibre helps to control blood sugar levels and insoluble fibre bulks up the contents of your bowel and helps it to move along your digestive system. Flax lignans are also obtained, which are a type of phytonutrient. These compounds are oestrogen like and also act as antioxidants. Finally, Flaxseed is a good source of minerals e.g. calcium, zinc, magnesium etc.
Whole Flaxseed: This is the cheapest form to buy flax seed in. With its long shelf life, you have the flexibility to buy in bulk and so benefit from the cheaper cost. You can buy brown or golden flaxseed as it doesn't seem to make any difference to the nutritional value. Another benefit is that you obtain all the benefits mentioned above. The only real negative to this form is that you need to grind it e.g. utilizing a coffee grinder. In its complete form, flaxseed won't be digested and you will waste your money. All the goodness becomes available for you to digest when you eat it in the ground flaxseed form.
Flaxseed Meal: Leading on from the last section, the main benefit is you get convenience. With no need to grind it down, you just open up the packet and scatter over your cereals, soups and yogurt etc. This form of flax provides all the benefits mentioned above and the only real negative is its shelf life. Flaxseed meal is prone to oxidation, a process that means the oil in it goes rancid and so cannot be used by your body. Keeping the flax meal in your fridge will help to prolong its shelf life but you will still need to use your supply reasonable quickly.
Flaxseed oil: This provides a different way to consume flax. It can be poured onto salads for example. It is a great form to obtain the essential fatty acid from but on the negative side, you don't get the fibre, the same amounts of minerals or the lignans. Like the flax seed meal, this oil is vulnerable to oxidation and so it doesn't have a prolonged shelf life.
Flax Seed Oil Capsules: If you don't like the texture or flavor of the oil poured on your food then the capsule form could suit you fine. It is a great way of getting the essential fatty acid, but you won't get the benefit of the fibre, minerals or lignans (however some manufacturers put them to their oil).
So there you go.... I hope it helps :)
