Some findings on Flax seed or linseed

picture from wikipedia

Flax seed oil is known to be one of the best oil among many other oil. Human has been consuming flax seed since 7000 year ago, it was one of the health products in the ancient times.

Here are some findings about of Flax seed.

Flax seed is very tiny and hard, it is either yellow and dark brown in colour, both types of Flax seeds contains more or less the same nutrients. A whole flax seed can not be digested by our human body, it will be discarded out in one whole piece after we consumed it.

To ripe the nutrition from the flax seed, we will have to consume it in powder form or oil. Flax seed powder can sustain high heat, suitable for baking bread and biscuits while flax seed oil is very unstable, it is easily oxidized and has to be stored in non transparent bottle (usually in dark bottle) and place in the fridge, therefore, Flax seed oil is highly unsuitable for cooking. The best way to consume Flax seed oil is to add into salad and sandwiches, or eat together with yogurt or smoothies. I usually spread over bread or mix with plain yogurt.

Flax seed has higher contain of lignan as compared to wheat bran, buckwheat, rye, and oats. Lignan is a type of phytoestrogen. Lignan possesses anti-fungus and anti bacteria properties, is a good source of anti cancer agent to fight against breast cancer, colon cancer as well as lowering blood pressure.

Flax seed oil does not contain any lignan. However, it provides good source of omega 3. 1.5 teaspoons a day of flax seed oil is sufficient for our daily need.

Pregnant women are discouraged to consume Flax seed because of its phytoestrogen content which interferes the body’s hormone. In order to obtain omega 3, fish oil is a better choice for pregnant women.

Besides making bread and biscuits, Flax seed powder can also be added to fruits yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, it is more versatile as compared to Flax seed oil. The shelf life is much longer too.