Q: What are the health benefits of flax seed?
A: Flax seed has been used for centuries as a health food. It can help lower cholesterol, prevent certain cancers, ease the pain and swelling of some types of arthritis, relieve constipation and reduce the risk of heart disease. When flax seed is consumed, it needs to be ground (or milled) in order for your body to digest it. You can either buy flax seeds that are already ground (milled) or buy whole flax seeds and grind them yourself in an electric coffee grinder. Keep in mind that once flax seed is ground, it needs to be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Here are some easy meal and snack ideas using ground flax seed:
- Sprinkle on a bowl of oatmeal in the morning
- Add a tablespoon to your favorite cereal
- Use in breading for chicken and pork chops
- Add to homemade waffle and pancake batter
- Serve pasta made with flax seed
- Stir flax oil into soups and smoothies
- Add to homemade bread and muffins
Greta, I have been grinding my own flax seed for the past year. I have not been storing it in the refrigerator. By not refrigerating, is there a health risk? Or does it lose some of it’s nutritional value? What is the shelf life of flax seed, and should I discard what has been stored at room temp? Thanks!
Jenny-
Great question!
Ground flax seed that is not refrigerated will not post a health risk; rather, it decreases the nutritional value of the flax seed and will become rancid more quickly. The shelf life of ground flax seed is about 3 months when refrigerated; the shelf life of whole, unground flax seed is about a year at room temperature. If your ground flax seed has been sitting at room temperature for more than a week I would toss it out. Another tip: make sure your ground flax seed is stored in an airtight container when refrigerated to ensure optimal shelf life.