Frequently Asked Questions

I have read & heard conflicting reports re: the safety of consuming milled flaxseed. Several sources include info regarding the need to consume the milled flaxseed ASAP - one individual even told me if not eaten immediately it would act as a carcinogen. Other sources mention milling & storing the seed with no notation of danger/precaution. Can you supply with accurate information?


Your question is a common one and unfortunately confusion about the many fine details of nutrition are also common. The Canadian Flax Council has evaulated this question and posted a summary of the research on this topic on their website ( you will need Acrobat Reader by Adobe to read this report - it is in PDF format). Although it is a technical report, it is relatively easy reading with the conclusion being there is minimal to no oxidation of the main fatty acid in flaxseed (Alpha linolenic acid - ALA) during quite a lengthy exposure to light, air, and normal heating temperatures associated with cooking. I am probably overly conservative by storing my flax seeds and ground flaxmeal in the freezer!

FAQ posted 05/02

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Back to Main QandA Page Flaxseeds Is it safe to use flaxseeds whole? I have not found anything that will grind whole flaxseed. Is the omega-3 fatty acid content of brown flaxseeds and golden flaxseeds really different? updated 4/02 Do you have more recipes using flaxseeds? posted 1/02, updated 4/02 Should women with ER+ breast cancer avoid flaxseeds and flax oil that contain the phytoestrogens called lignans? Will taking my medications mixed with flaxseed powder and applesauce cause them to not be absorbed? posted 2/02 How quickly does one need to eat ground flaxseed to prevent spoilage? posted 5/02 What is the best way to clean out my coffee grinder when switching from grinding my coffee to flaxseeds? posted 12/02 My husband had prostate cancer. Should he be avoiding flax? posted 4/03 Does consuming flaxseeds potentially interfere with the anti-estrogen effect of Tamoxifen? posted 9/03, updated 2/04, updated 3/05 Are flaxseeds safe to eat after heating? posted 1/04 The May 2004 issue of Prevention Magazine says that women with ER+ breast cancer should not be eating flaxseeds. Do you agree? posted 4/04

These questions and answers are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical condition.