Side effects of Eating Flax Seeds

  • They should be eaten in moderation. Over indulgence can cause bowel problems and diarrhea like symptoms.
  • It is also said to interfere with certain medications like drugs taken for thinning the blood, diabetes, anti-inflammatory drugs etc.
  • Pregnant mothers and nursing mothers should avoid flax seeds.

Flax Seeds Usage in the Kitchen

It is best to roast flax seeds lightly, grind them and then consume them. The recommended amount for consuming ground flax seeds is 1 to 2 teaspoons a day. This way you consume flax seeds in moderation. Here are few recipes to make flax seed a part of your diet.

  • Grind together roasted flaxseeds along with red chillies, garlic pods, curry leaves, fenugreek seeds. Use them as sandwich spread, as topping on curd rice, or as a sprinkling on boiled vegetables.
  • You could make delicious laddu with roasted flax seeds and sesame seeds. Grind them along with edible gums and then make laddos by adding sugar and roasted wheat flour to it. Another variation of laddu is to make it with roasted peanuts, ghee, jaggery and cardamom.
  • You can also make porridge with them. Adding them to milk shakes, smoothies, pancakes etc will make sure you have your daily dosage while not exceeding the limits.
  • Sprouted flax seeds can also be used in salads or as vegetable topping.
  • You can also soak them in water for few hours and then drink.

Things to Take Note Of

  • To get the maximum use of flax seed always use ground flax seed. Whole flax seed can go undigested from your body thus depriving you of fatty acids and lignans.
  • There are two varieties of flax seeds one brown and other yellow/golden. Both of them have similar nutritional values.
  • Flax seeds can be found in most super markets and in organic shops. They can also be purchased online. They are also sold loosely in grocery shops.
  • You can find them in whole, roasted and ground varieties in the market. Roasted seeds as the name suggests is roasted to increase its shelf life. Ground or flax meal is mealy in texture and can be easily added in to porridge to thicken it.
  • Ground flax seed is prone to oxidation and so should be stored in tight containers and also freeze it. Whole flax seed on the other hand can be stored for a year or so without any problems.

Always consult a doctor before adding flax seeds in your daily diet.

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