Flaxseed

jstagirl · 11-Apr-07, 05:53 PM

I'm 26, 5'0 110lbs and just started working out with weights about a month ago. Not to bulk but for toning. I am a vegetarian so I obviously don't eat fish. I was just wondering if flaxseed would be something I should think about including in my diet? And what's the difference between a pill and the actual liquid? Which is better to take? Is there anyone that knows more about this product that can inform me on it?

**Lady C** · 11-Apr-07, 06:53 PM

Flax seed is a good source of omega fats. I take flaxseed meal (like flour) not a pill or liquid. It has a nutty flavor and I use it in my protein shakes and oatmeal daily. It adds non soluable fiber to my diet.

JMike · 11-Apr-07, 06:56 PM

I also take flax although it's more expensive here. The roughage from the actual sides is good for. Plus I'm pretty sure its awesome in every way, fibres omega everything! Sorry, not a great nutrionist, but others will chime in.

CF-OC_gal · 12-Apr-07, 03:43 PM

Here is a pretty informative website from the Flax Council of Canada

Flax Council of Canada

I've tried the recipies. They are good.

**GoCubs** · 13-Apr-07, 01:24 PM

I've been putting flaxseeds in my oatmeal for a while, but someone recently told me that you need to grind the seeds to obtain the majority of its nutrients. As such I've been grinding, but was wondering if it's really necessary?

Also, at WholeFoods in the bulk bins they have flax seeds and a separate bin for golden (roasted) flax seeds for slightly more money. Does anyone know if there's any difference in nutrition?

Thanks
-Greg

**Lady C** · 13-Apr-07, 01:27 PM

I couldn't tell you the difference between kinds/brands nutritionally.

I keep my flax seed meal in the fridge. I read once you expose it to the air it starts to go rancid. Grinding it yourself would be the freshest option.

**GoCubs** · 13-Apr-07, 01:39 PM

On that Flax Council website I found answers to my questions:

Which is better for me, whole or ground flax seed?
Ground flax seed provides more nutritional benefits than does whole seed. That’s because flax seeds are very hard, making them difficult to crack, even with careful chewing. Grinding flax seeds breaks them up, making them easier to digest when eaten. Then the body can profit from all that flax goodness. If whole flax seeds remain unbroken, they may pass undigested through the body, reducing the nutritional advantage of eating flax seed in the first place.

What is the difference between brown flax seed and golden or yellow flax seed? Is one better than the other?
No, one flax seed is not better for you than another. Brown flax seeds provide the same nutritional benefits as golden (or yellow) ones. Both brown and golden flax seeds have plenty of lignans and dietary fibre, and both contain more than 50 per cent alpha-linolenic acid. This is an omega-3 fat which offers you health and heart fitness. While some people prefer yellow-coloured seed in their cooking, brown flax seeds add the same nutrition to your diet as do golden ones. This means you can choose your flax seed freely. Brown flax seed may be more commonly found than golden, as more brown than golden flax seed is grown commercially.
Note: There is another yellow seed that looks like flax, but is not flax. It is most likely solin seed, a crop developed from flax. Solin seeds do NOT provide the same nutritional benefit of flax seeds. Solin seeds contain less than one-tenth of the alpha-linolenic acid found in flax seeds. Thus, the important omega-3 advantage of flax is missing in solin.

Maxgain · 14-Apr-07, 07:23 AM

While taking the seeds themselves have many benefits dont forget or omega 3 benefits flax is absolutely blitzed by fishoils. It may be a good plant source but it the grand schemme of things it is poor. You are a t a disadvatage been vegetarian.
There should be no difference between pill or liquid som people just dontlike the taste

**Gooseneck** · 15-Apr-07, 11:33 AM

I always drop a tablespoon or so of Flax in my shake at night. Good stuff all around. I might pickup some fish oil too and combine them.

15-Apr-07, 12:46 PM

Mixing flax seeds in my shakes makes me gag. Can't stand chunky drinks!

Instead, I take a teaspoon of flax meal and pop it right in my mouth. Has a very nice texture and mild, enjoyable flavor.