I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. I am not a doctor; please consult your practitioner before changing your supplement or healthcare regimen.
Touted as a health food, this little seed is also a great tool for grain-free baking. But if you’re eating flax often (or trying to heal your body in any way), there’s more you should know. Learn about flax’s effect on hormone levels and that it’s not an efficient form of fatty acids. Learn, too, about flax’s phytic acid levels and if it actually helps to reduce inflammation.
For years I’ve loved the fact that flax makes baked goods moist. It imparts that perfect texture to muffins, cakes and cookies. In more recent years I’ve also appreciated that flax makes a great substitute for eggs in egg-free baking. (See how to do this here.)
But, as with all seeds and nuts, it’s easy to perceive them as healthy without remembering that they contain phytic acid, which can rob our bodies of minerals, that they require soaking to properly digest, and that, yes: All nuts and seeds affect our hormone levels!
Many also turn to flax oil as a source of fatty acids, in the hopes of reducing inflammation and for overall health, including brain and heart health. But vegetarian sources of fat are rarely the most nutrient-dense for the human diet.
In short, there are 5 main points of concern when it comes to consuming flax:
- Is flax an efficient form of fatty acids?
- Does flax cause changes in hormone levels?
- What are the phytate levels in flax?
- Does flax actually reduce inflammation?
- How is flax grown?
Read the full Is Flax Healthy? article HERE.
Vanessa Nixon Klein says
Thanks for the information. It’s important to understand the complexities of the foods we eat and why the foods we choose to include in our diets need to be individualized to our own unique needs. Great article!
Megan Stevens says
Thanks, Vanessa. I agree; well said.
Dr. Karen Lee says
I don’t like how they taste so I don’t like using them. But I do add about 1 tbsp to my morning smoothies. But that’s about it. It’s funny how my taste buds tell me what’s good or bad for my body. I trust my taste buds. Great post on Food Renegade!
Megan Stevens says
Thanks, Karen!
Chloe says
Great article. Back when I was eating grains, I loved putting flax seed in my oatmeal. I haven’t had it in awhile, but this is all good to know for when I add it back in. Thankfully it is really easy to find organic flax see around here!
Megan Stevens says
Nice! Yes, I still enjoy it for sure; but glad to know the details of how much and how often. π
Jenny says
Excellent info! I love baking with flax, too. I always buy “sprouted” flax meal, because the I believe it reduces the phytate levels. I never thought of timing with my cycle. I’m usually low on estrogen, so I probably need it in the first half of my cycle even more. Thanks!
Megan Stevens says
I’ll have to keep my eye out for that!! Glad you can access sprouted!
Elaina Newton says
Wow! Great information. I had no idea about its effect on hormones and the body’s actual absorption of omega-3’s in flax. I keep a bag of whole flaxseeds in my fridge that I add to baked goods occasionally, but that’s about it. π
Megan Stevens says
It’s amazing how powerful some foods are! Yes, one bag lasts me a long time too!
Carol @studiobotanica says
Great article! Definitely agree that we need to support organic agriculture and hereβs another example of that.
I use flax in moderation and donβt buy commercial cereal. It is a good
fibre source but as you mention in the article, fish is a better source
of long chain EPA/DHA and convertible EFAs
Moderation best ~ agreed!