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Flax seed Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Energy 530 kcal 2230 kJ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database |
Flax seeds come in two basic varieties, brown and yellow or golden, with most types having similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The exception is a type of yellow flax called Linola or solin, which has a completely different oil profile and is very low in omega-3. Although brown flax can be consumed as readily as yellow, and has been for thousands of years, it is better known as an ingredient in paints, fiber and cattle feed. Flax seeds produce a vegetable oil known as flaxseed or linseed oil, which is one of the oldest commercial oils and solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used for centuries as a drying oil in painting and varnishing.[citation needed]
One hundred grams of ground flax seed supplies about 450 kilo-calories, 41 grams of fat, 28 grams of fiber, and 20 grams of protein.[4]
One tablespoon of ground flax seeds and three tablespoons of water may serve as a replacement for one egg in baking by binding the other ingredients together. Ground flax seeds can also be mixed in with oatmeal, yogurt or any other food item where a nutty flavor is appropriate. Flax seed sprouts are edible, with a slightly spicy flavor. Excessive consumption of flax seeds with inadequate water can cause bowel obstruction.[5]
Flax seeds are chemically stable while whole, and milled flaxseed can be stored at least 4 months at room temperature with minimal or no changes in taste, smell, or chemical markers of rancidity.[6] Ground flaxseed can go rancid at room temperature in as little as one week.[7] Refrigeration and storage in sealed containers will keep ground flax from becoming rancid for even longer.
Flax seeds contain high levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans may benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and studies performed on mice found reduced growth in specific types of tumors. Initial studies suggest that flaxseed taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast[8][9] and prostate cancers.[10] However, the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/AN01712) reports that the alpha linolenic acid in flaxseed may be associated with higher risk of prostate cancer, and cautions that those with, or at risk for, prostate cancer should not take flaxseed. A recent meta-analysis found the evidence on this point to be mixed and inconclusive ( Am J Clin Nutr (March 25, 2009). doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736Ev1). Flax may also lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels.[11] There is some support for the use of flax seed as a laxative due to its dietary fiber content[5] though excessive consumption without liquid can result in intestinal blockage.[12] Consuming large amounts of flax seed can impair the effectiveness of certain oral medications, due to its fiber content.