Flaxseed pills

[michigander]

I know that we can put flaxseed nuts on salads, but can we take the pills instead? I borrowed some from my dad, but the bottle listed its 3rd ingredient as a sugar derivative. (? maybe just the capsule coating?)

I'd hate to fix one problem just to cause another. Thanks for any advice!

[AllieCat0817]

Re: Flaxseed pills

Don't use those pills. Eat the real thing.

I eat it every day mixed into my stevia/splenda sweetened Dannon plain yogurt. I also make flaxseed muffins (using no flour or other nasty stuff). Be sure you buy them already ground because your body can't digest/get any nutrients from whole flax seeds. I LOVE them. Have eaten them every day for almost 3 yrs.
Facts on Flax

The benefits: Flaxseed has long been valued for its health benefits (Hippocrates used flax as a remedy for gastrointestinal problems), but only recently have researchers investigated its helpful compounds. Flax is one of the best plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid, which converts in the body to the same heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel. It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber (about 3 grams of total fiber per tablespoon), which promote intestinal health. In addition, flaxseed is one of the richest dietary sources of lignans, phytoestrogens thought to protect against cancer of the breast, prostate, and colon.

My advice: I recommend one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day to anyone who wants to keep their heart healthy, especially vegetarians may not otherwise get omega-3s from their diet. Women experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms should also give flax a try to help ease hot flashes and heavy bleeding, and because it may promote health of vaginal tissues. Flax is safe for almost everyone (including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding), although its mild laxative effect may bother people with inflammatory bowel disease.

Tips: Whole flax seeds are sold inexpensively at natural-food stores, and they can be stored in the refrigerator. Grind a quarter-cup or so at a time, in a blender or a coffee grinder dedicated to flax. (You must grind these tiny, hard-shelled seeds, or they will pass through the body undigested.) Ground flax meal should be refrigerated in an airtight, opaque container, where it will keep for up to 30 days. You'll know that flax meal has spoiled if it smells like oil paint.

Flax meal has a sweet, nutty flavor and tastes delicious when sprinkled over cereals, soups, salads, and rice. You can also bake flax meal into muffins or bread-but bear in mind that when flax is heated, it's more susceptible to spoilage. Prepared foods made from flax are becoming more common, but it can be hard to tell from the ingredients label if they contain flax meal rather than whole seeds (which offer fewer benefits).

I don't recommend using flaxseed oil, available in liquid form or in capsules. Aside from being more expensive and less palatable than flax meal, flax oil spoils faster and, most importantly, lacks the protective lignans found in the ground seeds.

[sunflowergrl]

Re: Flaxseed pills

I take the Flax Seed Oil pills (1000mg) for the omega 3, but it won't give you the fiber. I can't stomach the thought of fish oil pills. I know they are good for you, but they make my tummy flip!

[sunflowergrl]

Re: Flaxseed pills

Oh, I forgot! Killerbombshell has a great Flax Cereal in the snack section. It is so yummy, and a great way to get that fiber. I love it!

[Barbde]

Re: Flaxseed pills

I take flaxseed oil capsules everyday. I also take Fish Oil and a lot of other stuff. My blood work came back amazing, so I am not chaning anything!
I used to eat Flax muffins quite a bit on induction and beyond. Can't say that I loved it, but it was somthing to dunk in the fried eggs! LOL. I rarely "eat" flax anymore. But I will forever take the pills.

[michigander]

Re: Flaxseed pills

Thanks for the advice!