Frequently Asked Questions

Are flaxseeds safe to eat after heating?

"I am inquiring whether or not it is safe to eat flaxseeds after they have been heated. I read somewhere that it wasn't good for you to heat flax because it changed its make-up if heated. Would you mind directing me to a website, or if you have any information I would greatly appreciate it."

Go to the following page of the Canadian Flax Council's , then scroll down to the pdf file entitled Flaxseed: Storage and Baking Stability. That article is a thorough discussion of the research showing flaxseed's stability during heating. I hope that answers your questions in a reassuring manner.

I frequently bake with ground flaxseed, often mixing a small amount of flaxseed into muffins, pancakes or waffles, quick breads, and the like.Consider purchasing the book Flax your way to Better Health by Jane Reinhardt-Martin, RD and also visiting Jane's web site. She will also be publishing a flax cookbook early in 2004.

It is considered *common wisdom* that heating flaxseed OIL is not a good thing to do. I am still tracking down the actual research that validates this information, but in the meantime, I think it is prudent to only use flaxseed oil without heating it.

FAQ posted 1/04

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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

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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.