Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean out my coffee grinder when switching from grinding my coffee to flaxseeds?

I just use a damp paper towel to wipe it clean so my flax doesn't taste like coffee. However, the best answer to your question comes from a colleague, Lisa Cooper, RD at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center in Knoxville, TN.

Lisa suggests running some uncooked white rice through the coffee grinder between grinding different items. She says this method works particularly well to prevent coffee or flax from tasting of various spices, too.

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FAQ posted 12/02

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

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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.