|
Where do flax seeds come from?
Flax seeds are from the plant Flax. Flax (also known as Common Flax or Linseed) is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae.
|
|
What is the difference between brown flax seed and golden or yellow flax seed?
No, Brown flax seeds provide the same nutritional benefits as golden (or yellow) ones. Both brown and golden flax seeds contain more than 50 per cent alpha-linolenic acid and have plenty of lignans and dietary fibre. Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid, which offers you health and heart fitness.
|
|
How should I store flax seed and what is the shelf life?
Flax seed has a hard hull, which keeps it fresh. You can store clean, dry, good quality whole flax seed at room temperature for up to a year.
|
|
I’m currently taking a prescription medication. Can I still take flax products?
If you are taking any medications, the Flax Council does not suggest or recommend that you eat flax or flax products without the specific approval of your physician. This is in keeping with the advice of experts who advise patients to consult their physicians before making any changes to their diet.
|
|
How much omega fatty acids do flax seeds contain?
Of the 38-42% total naturally occurring fat in Flax seed, an average of 18% is Omega 3 in the form of Alpha Linolenic acid. Contrary to what is found in most seeds, Alpha Linolenic acid is the predominant unsaturated fatty acid found in Flax seed. Linoleic acid, which belongs to the Omega 6 family, is the predominant unsaturated fatty acid in most other seeds like safflower, sunflower, corn and sesame.
|
|
Do flax seeds contain any fiber and protein?
Flax seed contains between 24-38% total fibers. The Golden variety contains up to 8 grams of fiber per two tablespoon serving. These seeds contain a healthy blend of both crude and soluble fiber. Flax seed are not only a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber, but also contain up to 23% protein. These marvelous seeds have also been researched to be the richest source of Plant Lignans known.
|
|
What are Lignans?
Lignans, otherwise known as Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), are pharmacologically active plant compounds that have been studied to provide immune support. Flax contains up to 100 times the quantity of lignans as the next richest source, which is wheat bran.
|
|
How many calories are in flax seed?
100 grams of flax seed has approximately 450 calories.
|
|
Does flax contain any gluten?
|
|
I have come across one a seed called solin seed, it looks just like flax seed. Does it provide same health benefits?
There is another yellow seed that looks like flax, but is not flax. Solin seeds do not provide the same nutritional benefit as flax seeds. Solin seeds contain less than one-tenth of the alpha-linolenic acid found in flax seeds. Hence, the important omega-3 advantage of flax is missing in solin.
|