Flaxseed contains mucilage, a gel-forming soluble fiber that can help with the absorption of nutrients and contribute to digestive health. While chia seeds also contain soluble fiber, their mucilage content is not as pronounced as that of flaxseed.

Furthermore, chia seeds can absorb water and hold it, contributing to hydration. This property may influence the way nutrients are released and absorbed. Flaxseed, while providing hydration through water absorption, does not have quite the same degree of gel-forming ability.

If you like both chia seeds and flaxseed, you might consider eating them in combination. You could sprinkle them on yogurt, oatmeal, or waffles, or add them to smoothies for extra nutrition. Keep in mind that both are sources of fiber, providing 8 to 10 g per ounce.

If you're not used to consuming that much fiber at once, try a smaller serving and be sure to stay hydrated to help prevent digestive upset. Both chia seeds and flaxseed offer valuable health benefits, and incorporating a variety of seeds into your diet can contribute to overall nutritional well-being.

The good news is that if you don't care for one of them, you can reap similar benefits from the other one in your diet. Plus, neither requires much preparation to consume; you can add them to foods raw. The choice between them may depend on personal preferences, specific health goals, accessibility, and how they fit into your overall dietary plan.

Chia seeds and flaxseed have a lot to offer in nutritional composition, health benefits, and versatility. They provide protein, fiber, and alpha-linolenic acid. While they have slight variations in certain nutrient levels and specific benefits, one is not significantly healthier than the other.

Experiment with both and see what works best for your likes, goals, and ease of use. FoodData Central. Flax seeds, flax. Seeds, chia seeds, dried. Cavina M, Battino M, Gaddi AV, Savo MT, Visioli F. Supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid and inflammation: a feasibility trial.

Int J Food Sci Nutr. Fleming JA, Kris-Etherton PM. The evidence for α-linolenic acid and cardiovascular disease benefits: Comparisons with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Adv Nutr. Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. The health benefits of dietary fibre. Published Oct Quagliani D, Felt-Gunderson P. Closing America's fiber intake gap: communication strategies from a food and fiber summit. Am J Lifestyle Med. Nowak W, Jeziorek M.

The role of flaxseed in improving human health. Healthcare Basel. Kulczyński B, Kobus-Cisowska J, Taczanowski M, Kmiecik D, Gramza-Michałowska A. The chemical composition and nutritional value of chia seeds-current state of knowledge. Janciauskiene S.

The beneficial effects of antioxidants in health and diseases. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. Rodríguez-García C, Sánchez-Quesada C, Toledo E, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Gaforio JJ.

Naturally lignan-rich foods: a dietary tool for health promotion? Dybka-Stępień K, Otlewska A, Góźdź P, Piotrowska M. The renaissance of plant mucilage in health promotion and industrial applications: a review.

Kaur M, Kaur R, Punia S. Characterization of mucilages extracted from different flaxseed Linum usitatissiumum L. cultivars: a heteropolysaccharide with desirable functional and rheological properties. Int J Biol Macromol. Barsby JP, Cowley JM, Leemaqz SY, et al. Nutritional properties of selected superfood extracts and their potential health benefits.

By Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, is a plant-based dietitian, writer, and speaker who specializes in helping people bring more plants to their plate. She's a highly respected writer in the health and nutrition space and loves talking about the power of diet. Lauren aims to connect people with the information and resources to live their healthiest, fullest life.

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Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Similarly, a study in found that eating about 1 ounce about 30 grams of flax seeds per day may help reduce blood pressure by 7—10 mm Hg in the general population and by as much as 15 mm Hg in those with high blood pressure Only a handful of studies have examined the effect of chia seeds on blood cholesterol levels, and most have failed to report any cholesterol-lowering benefits 13 , More studies may simply be needed to confirm this effect.

People who take blood thinners should consult a healthcare professional before adding large amounts of these seeds to their diets 2 , 11 , 15 , Both chia and flax seem to have benefits for reducing blood pressure.

They may also have similar cholesterol-lowering properties, although more studies on chia seeds are needed. Both flax and chia seeds contain good amounts of fiber, which has been linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes Fiber helps guard against type 2 diabetes by slowing down the digestion of carbs and the absorption of sugar into the blood.

This leads to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels after a meal In other words, fiber helps prevent blood sugar spikes. This stabilizes blood sugar levels and offers some protection against type 2 diabetes. In fact, several studies have linked regular consumption of flax and chia seeds to this protective effect.

These effects were seen after as little as 1—2 months 18 , Similarly, older animal studies show that chia seeds may help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, both of which may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 20 , 21 , Human studies from and also found that eating bread made with chia seeds may lead to smaller spikes in blood sugar than eating more traditional breads 23 , Insoluble fiber, the predominant type in both chia and flax seeds, may be linked to a lower likelihood of developing colon or breast cancer 26 , Both seeds also contain antioxidants, which help your body reduce its levels of free radicals.

Free radicals are cell-damaging molecules that can contribute to aging and diseases such as cancer 1 , However, when it comes to antioxidant levels, flax seeds may have the upper hand. For this reason, flax seeds may be slightly more effective than chia seeds at preventing cancers from developing.

Several observational studies support the notion that eating flax seeds on a regular basis can lower the risk of developing certain cancers. For instance, one review noted a link between the antioxidants found in flax seeds and a lower risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women In a recent study, the lignans in flax seeds showed promise in slowing the growth of acute myeloid leukemia Few studies have looked at the effects of chia seeds on the risk of cancer.

Because of their lower antioxidant levels, chia seeds may be slightly less effective than flax at guarding against cancer. Both chia and flax seeds are good sources of fiber, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, flax seeds contain significantly higher levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants, which give them a slight upper hand.

Chia seeds and flax seeds are both great sources of fiber, which can help reduce hunger and cravings However, they contain different levels of soluble fiber, a type particularly effective at reducing hunger and controlling appetite. Soluble fiber tends to become sticky when mixed with water, slowing down digestion and increasing feelings of fullness.

This type of fiber is also known to trigger hormones involved in controlling hunger, which may further reduce appetite For this reason, flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing hunger and appetite than chia seeds 1 , In one study, participants given a drink containing the amount of soluble fiber found in approximately 1 ounce 28 grams of flax seeds reported lower feelings of hunger and overall appetite than those given a control drink In another, men who consumed a flax seed-containing meal reported feeling fuller and less hungry than those who ate no flax seeds Researchers gave participants bread containing different amounts of chia seeds.

The breads with the most chia seeds reduced appetite 1. Overall, both flax seeds and chia seeds seem to reduce hunger and appetite. However, because of their higher soluble fiber content, flax seeds may be slightly more effective at doing so.

Flax seeds contain more soluble fiber than chia seeds, which may make them slightly more effective at reducing hunger and appetite. However, more studies are needed. Digestion is a critical function your body performs every day, helping you break down the foods you eat and absorb their nutrients.

Poor digestion can make it more difficult for your body to get all the nutrients it needs and can produce some unpleasant side effects. Thanks to their high fiber content, flax and chia seeds may help relieve both constipation and diarrhea As mentioned earlier, there are two types of fiber : soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel in your gut. It can slow down the passage of food, promoting feelings of fullness Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and passes through your gut without changing much. This type of fiber adds bulk to your stool and may speed up the passage of food through your gut Found in both chia and flax seeds, insoluble fiber acts as a laxative, reducing constipation On the other hand, the gel-forming properties of soluble fiber, which is found mostly in flax seeds, can help digestive waste bind together, reducing diarrhea Both flax and chia seeds contain insoluble fiber, which helps relieve constipation.

Flax seeds contain more soluble fiber, which may help reduce diarrhea. Both flax and chia seeds are incredibly versatile and very easy to add to your diet. Both taste relatively bland, so you can add them to almost anything.

You can sprinkle them on top of yogurts or incorporate them into smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. Both can also be used to thicken sauces or as egg substitutes in many recipes. Regarding how much to eat, most of the benefits listed above were seen with 1—2 tablespoons 10—20 grams of seeds per day.

Whole flax seeds can go through your gut without being absorbed, because their outer shells are hard for your intestines to break down. Eating them ground can help increase the absorption of the nutrients they contain. Chia seeds are often consumed whole. However, studies have shown that the nutrients they contain may also be better absorbed when the seeds are ground Because of their high fat content, you should ideally store both types of seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.

For this same reason, make sure to consume them promptly. Both chia and flax seeds are incredibly versatile and easy to add to many dishes. Both should be consumed ground for the most health benefits. Chia and flax seeds are both very nutritious.

Both also offer similar benefits for heart health, blood sugar levels, and digestion. However, flax seeds appear to have a slight advantage, especially when it comes to reducing hunger and appetite and lowering the risk of certain cancers. Ultimately, the differences between the two seeds remain small.

Either flax seeds or chia seeds would be a great addition to your diet. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Flaxseed is packed with beneficial nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. This article explores 9 science-backed benefits of eating flaxseed.

Flax seeds are small seeds. They are are high in fiber and offer many health benefits.

Flaxseed is packed with beneficial nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. This article explores 9 science-backed benefits of eating flaxseed. Flax seeds are small seeds. They are are high in fiber and offer many health benefits. Here is detailed health and nutrition information on flax seeds.

Chia seeds are well known for their impressive array of health benefits, but eating too many of them may cause some side effects. This article…. Along with a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Here are 6 super seeds to eat for better health. Chia seeds are now a staple in many health-conscious households. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health.

Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —…. Carb counting is complicated. Take the quiz and test your knowledge!

Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food…. While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern.

Let's look deeper:. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds — Is One Healthier Than the Other?

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Share on Pinterest Nadianb. Nutrition comparison. Both may lower the risk of heart disease. Both help lower blood sugar levels. Flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing the risk of certain cancers. Flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing hunger and appetite.

Both improve digestion. How to eat chia and flax seeds. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

Feb 15, Written By Alina Petre. Feb 28, Medically Reviewed By Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD. Share this article. Read this next. The Top 9 Health Benefits of Flaxseed. By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD and Verena Tan, RD, PhD. Flax Seeds Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.

By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice. Does Eating Too Many Chia Seeds Cause Side Effects? By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. How Nutritionists Can Help You Manage Your Health. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R. Healthy Lifestyle May Offset Cognitive Decline Even in People With Dementia A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —… READ MORE.

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Carb Counting? READ MORE. High blood sugar glucose can indicate the presence of disease, like type 2 diabetes.

Being overweight can increase your risk of high blood glucose, but flaxseeds may help counteract this. A study gave 41 people with obesity and pre-diabetes either 13 grams, 26 grams, or 0 grams of flaxseed daily for 12 weeks.

It found that those who consumed 13 grams of flaxseeds per day—about two tablespoons—saw the greatest reductions in blood sugar levels and the most significant improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Incorporating flaxseeds into your diet may help with healthy, sustainable weight management thanks to their soluble fiber content. When combined with water, mucilage forms a gel-like consistency.

This slows down how quickly food passes through your stomach so you stay fuller for longer. A meta-analysis assessed 45 studies and found eating whole flaxseeds was associated with significant reductions in both body weight and waist measurement. Having a waist measurement of over 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men is associated with a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The review also found that eating 30 grams—about three tablespoons—of whole flaxseeds daily for more than 12 weeks improved body composition in patients. Body composition tells us what percentage of our bodies are made up of fat, muscle, and other tissues, like bone. In addition to their beneficial fats and fiber, flaxseeds are rich in health-protective antioxidants called polyphenols.

Polyphenols act like bodyguards for our cells, protecting them from damage that could eventually lead to cancer, aging and chronic diseases, including heart disease.

Flaxseeds may be tiny, but they're chock full of nutrients. A quarter cup—about four tablespoons—of whole flaxseeds supplies:. Flaxseeds are a great source of thiamin—aka thiamine —a B vitamin that helps convert nutrients into energy.

Another stand-out nutrient of flaxseed is magnesium, which is important for nerve, muscle, and immune function. Other beneficial nutrients in flaxseed include selenium and iron.

Selenium protects cells from damage or infection. Iron helps make red blood cells—which carry oxygen through our bloodstream. Some people may be allergic to flaxseeds, though it is not common. Flaxseeds also contain trace amounts of potential toxins like cyanide.

However, the consumption of flax is highly unlikely to cause cyanide toxicity because levels are very low and the body can detoxify cyanide in amounts as small as those found in flaxseeds. Additionally, cooking flaxseeds destroys the chemical.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to err on the side of caution and avoid flaxseeds for a while. More research is needed, but flaxseeds do have some hormonal effects and may be unsafe.

Some research shows flaxseed oil taken during the second or third trimester could even increase the chance of premature births. Another side effect of taking flaxseed and flaxseed oil is diarrhea. However, if you're not drinking enough fluids, flaxseed may have the opposite effect: it could cause constipation.

When shopping for flaxseeds, opt for ground flaxseeds over whole ones since whole seeds can pass through your intestines undigested.

This prevents nutrients from being absorbed into the bloodstream. If whole flaxseeds are your only option, no worries, you can grind them yourself with a coffee grinder just before eating. Just make sure you store your flaxseeds in a cool, dark place—like the freezer—since the oil in flax breaks down when exposed to light and air.

Simple ways to eat flaxseeds include:. You can also use flaxseeds as a vegan replacement for eggs in baking recipes. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water for each egg the recipe calls for.

Note: When you're adding fiber to your diet, it's important to drink plenty of fluid and to increase fiber slowly. Upping your dietary fiber too quickly can give you uncomfortable digestive problems like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and cramps.

Despite their difference in color, brown and golden flaxseeds share some things in common. They are both rich in fiber and alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. They also can reduce intestinal permeability and endotoxins in the blood. Other than that, they have separate qualities that shine on their own.

In a study of overweight women going through menopause, brown flaxseeds were shown to have higher antioxidant activity and may help with metabolic changes during menopause.

In contrast, golden flaxseeds were able to improve the lipid profile. Much scientific research focuses on flaxseeds and not necessarily flaxseed oil, leaving some unanswered questions. It's uncertain whether flaxseed oil has the same effect on diabetes or your heart and blood vessels as flaxseeds themselves.

While small, flaxseeds pack a nutritious punch thanks to their ability to reduce blood pressure, improve digestion, and prevent certain types of cancer. They're also quite versatile, as they can be incorporated into both sweet, savory, hot, and cold dishes. Whether you should consume flaxseeds and how often should be based on your own personal preferences and individual health needs.

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Diabetes Friendly Products. Peanut-Free and Gluten-Free Products. Sugar-Free Products. PAN India Shipping Products. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. Though I do not encourage fortified food, however, the goodness of flaxseeds with dates and cocoa flavour subtle is delicious strong anti inflammatory food.

If one can opt for non-fortified, would be very helpful. The slightly dangling texture of the peanut butter when you open the jar or when you try to scoop out with a spoon shows its pure. You can still see minute crumbs of peanut which says its all natural!

Really love it for its purity. Thank you for this product. Item added to your cart. Check out Continue shopping. Share Share Link. Golden Flaxseeds Brown Flaxseeds

Chia and flax seeds are both very nutritious. Both also offer similar benefits for heart health, blood sugar levels, and digestion. However, flax seeds appear to have a slight advantage, especially when it comes to reducing hunger and appetite and lowering the risk of certain cancers.

Ultimately, the differences between the two seeds remain small. Either flax seeds or chia seeds would be a great addition to your diet. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Flaxseed is packed with beneficial nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.

This article explores 9 science-backed benefits of eating flaxseed. Flax seeds are small seeds. They are are high in fiber and offer many health benefits. Here is detailed health and nutrition information on flax seeds.

Chia seeds are well known for their impressive array of health benefits, but eating too many of them may cause some side effects. This article…. Along with a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Here are 6 super seeds to eat for better health. Chia seeds are now a staple in many health-conscious households. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health. Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —….

Carb counting is complicated. Take the quiz and test your knowledge! Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food…. While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern.

Let's look deeper:. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based Chia Seeds vs.

Flax Seeds — Is One Healthier Than the Other? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Share on Pinterest Nadianb. Nutrition comparison. Both may lower the risk of heart disease.

Both help lower blood sugar levels. Flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing the risk of certain cancers. Flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing hunger and appetite. Both improve digestion. How to eat chia and flax seeds. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

Feb 15, Written By Alina Petre. Feb 28, Medically Reviewed By Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD. Share this article. Read this next. The Top 9 Health Benefits of Flaxseed.

By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD and Verena Tan, RD, PhD. Flax Seeds Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice. Does Eating Too Many Chia Seeds Cause Side Effects? By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD.

Flax seeds are one of the richest known dietary sources of lignans. These nutrients function as phytoestrogens 2. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. They have weak estrogenic and antioxidant properties They have been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome, as they reduce levels of fat and glucose in your blood.

Flax lignans also help reduce blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation in your arteries Lignans are fermented by bacteria in your digestive system and may reduce the growth of several cancers — especially hormone-sensitive types, such as breast, uterus, and prostate cancer 31 , Flax seeds are high in several plant compounds, including p -Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, cyanogenic glycosides, phytosterols, and lignans.

In particular, the last two have been linked to various benefits. This fiber has been shown to be effective at suppressing hunger and cravings, potentially promoting weight loss 33 , A review of controlled studies concluded that flax seeds promote weight loss in overweight and obese people.

Those who added the seeds to their diet lost an average of 2. The analysis also showed that weight loss tended to be greater in studies lasting for more than 12 weeks and among those who consumed more than 30 grams of flax seeds per day Flax seeds contain soluble fiber, which may promote weight loss by reducing hunger and decreasing cravings.

Flax seeds have been associated with major benefits for heart health , mainly attributed to their content of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. High blood cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. This is especially true for oxidized LDL bad cholesterol This is supported by animal studies showing that flax seeds may improve cholesterol levels and the composition of blood fats 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , One month study found that flax seeds caused an additional 8.

This cholesterol-lowering effect is thought to be caused by the high fiber and lignan content in flax seeds. These substances bind with cholesterol-rich bile acids and carry them down your digestive tract. This reduces cholesterol levels in your body Omega-3 fatty acids are essential. They may have benefits for various aspects of heart health, including blood platelet function, inflammation, and blood pressure.

Flax seeds are very high in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid ALA. They have been shown to decrease heart disease risk in animal studies by reducing inflammation in the arteries Several studies link ALA with a lower risk of stroke, heart attacks, and chronic kidney disease.

In one study, people with heart disease were given 2. Those receiving the supplement had significantly lower rates of death and heart attacks than people in the control group Plant-based ALA fatty acids seem to benefit heart health similarly to fish oils, which are rich in EPA and DHA 53 , 54 , Eating flax seeds is an effective way to lower blood pressure 31 , 56 , 57 , 58 , In a 6-month study in people with elevated blood pressure, those consuming 3 tablespoons 30 grams of flax seeds daily experienced a 10 and 7 mm Hg reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively.

People with a systolic level — the top number in a blood pressure reading — greater than mm Hg at the start of the study observed an even greater reduction of 15 mm Hg Flax seeds may help fight heart disease by lowering blood pressure, regulating blood cholesterol, and increasing your levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Flax seeds have been shown to benefit many aspects of human health. Several studies have found that flax seeds prevent both diarrhea and constipation 64 , 65 , The insoluble fiber content in flax seeds adds bulk to your digestive waste, acting as a laxative and relieving constipation 32 , Soluble fiber is also thought to bind to water in your digestive tract.

This causes it to swell and increase the bulk of your stool, preventing diarrhea According to the World Health Organization WHO , 1 in 10 adults had diabetes in Studies in people with type 2 diabetes show that supplementing with 10—20 grams of flaxseed powder per day for 1—2 months may reduce fasting blood sugar by up to However, not all studies find flax seeds to be effective in regulating blood glucose and insulin levels Though the link between flax seeds and type 2 diabetes is still unclear, they may be considered a safe and healthy addition to your diet if you have type 2 diabetes Test-tube and animal studies show that flax seeds may suppress the formation of several types of cancer, such as those of the colon, breast, skin, and lungs 73 , Increased blood levels of sex hormones have been linked to an increased risk of several cancers 75 , 76 , Flax seeds may modestly lower serum levels of sex hormones in overweight women, potentially decreasing breast cancer risk 78 , These seeds have also been shown to protect against prostate cancer 80 , Flax seeds may improve digestion by relieving diarrhea and constipation.

They may also reduce fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes and lower your risk of several cancers. Dry flax seeds are usually well tolerated, and allergy is rare Flax seeds naturally contain plant compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. These substances can bind with sulfur compounds in your body to form thiocyanates.

Excessive amounts of thiocyanates may impair the function of your thyroid gland Moderate portions are highly unlikely to cause any adverse effects in healthy individuals. To retain the polyunsaturated fatty acids, store your flaxseed-whole or ground-in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

If you do buy pre-ground, be sure your storage container is dark-and not made of metal, which contains minerals that contribute to fat breakdown.

Best bet: Buy whole. Grind only what you need. Relish the freshness. Note: Whole flaxseeds are very hard and will pass through your body undigested if you don't grind them before sprinkling them on your cereal or salad. A coffee grinder or small food processor does a fabulous job of "freeing" the nutrients of your flax so that you can absorb them.

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