abbygirl2
02-10-2004, 06:13 PM
Hi, my Dr told me to add flaxseed to my diet and I have heard you can grind it. Is the grinder specifically for Flaxseed or can you use it for more. Also where can you buy these grinders.
Thanks
Thanks
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auntjudyg
02-11-2004, 09:47 AM
A coffee grinder is probably what you are looking for. You can get one anyplace that sells small household appliances. You CAN use it for other things . . . but, if you are using it for coffee, I would get one that just does coffee . . . or if you are thinking of grinding anything that has a strong flavor (like some spices), wash it very thoroughly afterward. They are not all that expensive.
Ruth6:11
02-11-2004, 10:12 AM
I skipped the cost of the coffee grinder and time spent grinding altogether by buying flaxseed meal. I buy a small amount, store most of that in the freezer and keep a smaller amount in the refrigerator.
Originally I started using it for menopause symptoms.. turns out it is great at promoting regularity. Anyone on a diet plan that is low on fiber would benefit!
Originally I started using it for menopause symptoms.. turns out it is great at promoting regularity. Anyone on a diet plan that is low on fiber would benefit!
abbygirl2
02-11-2004, 06:29 PM
Thanks, unfortunately DH bought me a bag of the flaxseed(I would have bought the already ground stuff). Its easier:)
How long is the pre-ground stuff good for, I have heard it loses its value quite quickly.
Thanks
How long is the pre-ground stuff good for, I have heard it loses its value quite quickly.
Thanks
Magpiezoe
02-12-2004, 09:35 AM
Hello, I read that it is best to grind your own flax seed, because it has a very short shelf life once it's ground even if you store it in the fridge. It's also cheaper to grind your own. Yes, my coffie grinder works great with grinding up flax seed and the funny thing is that the grinder was really cheap. ($5.00 from Sears) Coffie grinders can run from $5.00 to $15.00. I have found the kitchen outlet stores to be the most expensive. Don't try a pepper mill, because I tried that before I got my grinder and it doesn't work.
May I be nosey? Why did your doctor tell you to add flax seed to your diet? I never heard of a doctor recommending it. I know it is supposed to be good for lowering high cholesterol and preventing colon cancer.
I like to eat the flax seed whole, so I am really bad...but it tastes so good on my garlic bread!
May I be nosey? Why did your doctor tell you to add flax seed to your diet? I never heard of a doctor recommending it. I know it is supposed to be good for lowering high cholesterol and preventing colon cancer.
I like to eat the flax seed whole, so I am really bad...but it tastes so good on my garlic bread!
auntjudyg
02-12-2004, 10:15 AM
. . . it is best to grind your own flax seed, because it has a very short shelf life once it's ground . . .
I agree and read that even the whole seeds ought to be stored in the fridge. Presumably they go rancid very quickly.
I agree and read that even the whole seeds ought to be stored in the fridge. Presumably they go rancid very quickly.
abbygirl2
02-12-2004, 03:14 PM
Hi, My Doctor actually recommended both flaxseed and fish oil. My good cholesterol is a little low. (I'm not up on the cholesterol lingo, so can't remember what exactly its called) :)
How do I know if the flaxseed has indeed gone rancid? I have a small bag of it but it would probably take me a long time to use it all.
Thanks
How do I know if the flaxseed has indeed gone rancid? I have a small bag of it but it would probably take me a long time to use it all.
Thanks
Magpiezoe
02-12-2004, 05:05 PM
Hello, It doesn't really go rancid. The oil dries up, which is what you are after. This type of oil raises your HDL, (the good cholesterol) which is what it sounds like your doctor is after. You can get the flax seed oil capsles too. My sister uses those. Another way to up the HDL is to eat oily fish like tuna and salmon. Then there's also almonds,walnuts, and olive oil.
zip2play
02-12-2004, 05:18 PM
The problem really is the ALA rich Omega 3 oils in flaxseed that go rancid- they are VERY fragile and react with oxygen in the air quickly at room temperature. I found that rancidity can be almost STOPPED by grinding the seeds as soon as you buy them and storing in a glass container in the FREEZER.
I mix psyllium and ground flax seed into Citrus Light (or the cheaper stuff) with a hand mixer. I am looking for the fiber for colon health and any cholesterol that can be grabbed along the way, so much the better.
I wish the flax weren't so bitter...I'd add it to pancake flour but alas, the pancakes aren't very good.
I try to take my cod liver oil with it to balance the excess Omega-3's of the flax with the excess Omega-6's of the fish oil and the canola for the rest of my cooking and my "butter" substitute: Smart Beat.
My health food store sells the flax for $.99/lb...a lot cheaper than the psyllium.
I mix psyllium and ground flax seed into Citrus Light (or the cheaper stuff) with a hand mixer. I am looking for the fiber for colon health and any cholesterol that can be grabbed along the way, so much the better.
I wish the flax weren't so bitter...I'd add it to pancake flour but alas, the pancakes aren't very good.
I try to take my cod liver oil with it to balance the excess Omega-3's of the flax with the excess Omega-6's of the fish oil and the canola for the rest of my cooking and my "butter" substitute: Smart Beat.
My health food store sells the flax for $.99/lb...a lot cheaper than the psyllium.
csoar2004
02-22-2004, 04:19 PM
Flax seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (so do sweet potatoes, lima beans, other foods) which can metabolize into a chemical that, over time, can inhibit the thyroid's ability to uptake iodine.
Two easy solutions to avoiding this: limit your intake of flax seeds to 3-4 tablespoons per day
OR
toast your flaxseeds (which deactivates the cg without destroying the nifty omega 3s with which flax is loaded. Spread the flaxseeds on a baking sheet and place in 250 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Then grind 'em in your nifty coffee grinder for 4-5 pulses (should be sawdust consistency). YUMMY!! :p
Two easy solutions to avoiding this: limit your intake of flax seeds to 3-4 tablespoons per day
OR
toast your flaxseeds (which deactivates the cg without destroying the nifty omega 3s with which flax is loaded. Spread the flaxseeds on a baking sheet and place in 250 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Then grind 'em in your nifty coffee grinder for 4-5 pulses (should be sawdust consistency). YUMMY!! :p
abbygirl2
02-22-2004, 05:30 PM
Great information, I'm going to try toasting it. I bought the coffee grinder and it does turn it into sawdust :) I find the whole seeds a bit hard to chew, so I do prefer the sawdust. I added it to my oatmeal one morning but I do not eat oatmeal every morning. What do you all mix your flaxseed with? I don't eat a lot of cereal.
Also I only used 1 tbsp. Should I be using more-yet what is too much?
Thanks
Abbygirl
Also I only used 1 tbsp. Should I be using more-yet what is too much?
Thanks
Abbygirl
csoar2004
02-22-2004, 05:48 PM
Great information, I'm going to try toasting it. I bought the coffee grinder and it does turn it into sawdust :) I find the whole seeds a bit hard to chew, so I do prefer the sawdust. I added it to my oatmeal one morning but I do not eat oatmeal every morning. What do you all mix your flaxseed with? I don't eat a lot of cereal.
Also I only used 1 tbsp. Should I be using more-yet what is too much?
Thanks
Abbygirl I use 3-4 tbsp per day. Some folks I know put several tablespoons in a bowl, pour hot water over 'em and eat like hot cereal. :eek: Whatever appeals to ya, I guess! :D I sprinkle flax seeds over my salads, my eggs, etc. Most often, though, I make flax seed crackers. :p YUMMY!!
Also I only used 1 tbsp. Should I be using more-yet what is too much?
Thanks
Abbygirl I use 3-4 tbsp per day. Some folks I know put several tablespoons in a bowl, pour hot water over 'em and eat like hot cereal. :eek: Whatever appeals to ya, I guess! :D I sprinkle flax seeds over my salads, my eggs, etc. Most often, though, I make flax seed crackers. :p YUMMY!!
healthy4me
03-01-2004, 04:00 PM
Why grind? Not interested in the liquid form of Flaxseed? Is there an advantage to grinding, i've been using a liquid form that is already bottled, and i just pore it in with salad dressings, and over other things...
it doesn't taste bad...
Just curious to the advantages of grinding..
Michelle
it doesn't taste bad...
Just curious to the advantages of grinding..
Michelle
injured betty
03-01-2004, 04:12 PM
Why grind? Not interested in the liquid form of Flaxseed? Is there an advantage to grinding, i've been using a liquid form that is already bottled, and i just pore it in with salad dressings, and over other things...
it doesn't taste bad...
Just curious to the advantages of grinding..
Michelle
Flaxseed oil goes rancid quickly so you have to either buy a small quanity or talk others into sharing it with you, YUK ;)
I did grind but that was pretty dry. I am not sure if there is a yummy way to get it into your diet. I did see it in bread the other day. Maybe if I sneak it into a really fudgy brownie :rolleyes:
it doesn't taste bad...
Just curious to the advantages of grinding..
Michelle
Flaxseed oil goes rancid quickly so you have to either buy a small quanity or talk others into sharing it with you, YUK ;)
I did grind but that was pretty dry. I am not sure if there is a yummy way to get it into your diet. I did see it in bread the other day. Maybe if I sneak it into a really fudgy brownie :rolleyes:
Ruth6:11
03-01-2004, 10:41 PM
I toast whole wheat bread, sprinkle the flaxseed meal liberally, and then spread with a thin layer of peanut butter.
Possibly a problem with some of the trendier diets, but it works for me!
Possibly a problem with some of the trendier diets, but it works for me!
csoar2004
03-02-2004, 12:53 PM
Why grind? Not interested in the liquid form of Flaxseed? Is there an advantage to grinding, i've been using a liquid form that is already bottled, and i just pore it in with salad dressings, and over other things...
it doesn't taste bad...
Just curious to the advantages of grinding..Michelle One of the major benefits to eating flax seed is the fiber. Most of us don't chew long enough to actually release the fiber from the seeds. Hence...grinding! ;)
I'm particularly fond of mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed with a dash of cinnamon and Stevia Plus then dipping apple slices in it. YUMMY! :p
I sprinkle the flax seeds over my salads, my eggs, and even make crackers outta them. :D
As to Flax seed oil (FSO), I try to eat 2 Tablespoons/day. Usually incorporated in salad dressing since you cannot cook with FSO (it turns to nasty transfat when heated). My fave dressing is 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar + 1/2 cup FSO, + 1 teaspoon dill + 1 teaspoon dry mustard + 2 garlic cloves, smashed. DELISH!
it doesn't taste bad...
Just curious to the advantages of grinding..Michelle One of the major benefits to eating flax seed is the fiber. Most of us don't chew long enough to actually release the fiber from the seeds. Hence...grinding! ;)
I'm particularly fond of mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed with a dash of cinnamon and Stevia Plus then dipping apple slices in it. YUMMY! :p
I sprinkle the flax seeds over my salads, my eggs, and even make crackers outta them. :D
As to Flax seed oil (FSO), I try to eat 2 Tablespoons/day. Usually incorporated in salad dressing since you cannot cook with FSO (it turns to nasty transfat when heated). My fave dressing is 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar + 1/2 cup FSO, + 1 teaspoon dill + 1 teaspoon dry mustard + 2 garlic cloves, smashed. DELISH!
Rickhard
08-07-2004, 01:10 AM
I eat a 1/2 cup of ground flax seeds a day. This is why. Since June 21 when I increased the amount to a 1/2 cup[I started with 1 tbsp] I have been able to stop taking my antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. I am down 95% on allergy and asthma medications. My exercise capacity has increased 33% to 50%. I used to ride the exercise bike 45 minutes pre-flax. Now, i ride it a minimum of an hour. I often ride it 70 to 75 minutes. My best is 90 minutes. I feel so much better mentally and physically since beginning to eat the flax. I started eating it in my oatmeal on or about June 1, 2004. On June 21, I decided to cook it with the oats instead of adding it after the oats were cooked. This is when I started to get some really noticeable results. I stopped feeling cold. This had been a real problem for me for over ten years. I don't know if it was psychological or physical or both, but I'm over it now. I used to wear lots of extra layers of clothes even in the summer. Now, i'm dressing like a normal, healthy individual. My body temp and thyroid checked out okay, so there may have been a mental component, I don't know. My internist thought I was nuts. By eating a half cup of the flaxmeal, i'm getting about 1 and 1/2 tbsps of oil. The seeds contain fiber and protein and they are a lot cheaper than buying the oil. The coffee grinder is a one time purchase so I don't count that. I would encourage experimenting with different concumption levels and see what you notice. The only thing I have the flax didn't help with is acid reflux disease. It cured my itchy scalp and dandruff, too.