Flaxseed suggestions? Anyone?

So, I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who's a little confused by the new recommendation/guidance surrounding adequate/safe number of servings of fish per week for women who are nursing, pregnant, or planning on getting pregnant.  One week 2-3 servings of fish per week for this group is unsafe because of the mercury, and now this week 2 servings is recommended because of the benefits of omega 3's on brain development and the idea that the selenium in fish may counteract any mercury.  I'm not even sure I want to ask my doctor for advice because I feel like the jury is still out on this one....

Anyway, I digress.  My question isnt about fish as a source of omega 3's, but more about other sources of them (although i do still plan to eat 1 serving of fish per week).  I know there are supplements that can be taken, which are perfectly fine, but for me I'd rather get my nutrition from actual food.  So my question is about flaxseed, which I hear is another excellent source of the fatty acids.

Specifically, what are some suggestions for how to eat this food?  What form does it come in?  What do you put it on/in?  Do you eat it by itself?  Does it have a taste that takes getting used to?

Sorry for all the questions, but thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions anyone has!

I like to grind it in a coffee grinder and add it to oatmeal in the morning, it can also be put into smoothies, and sprinkled on salads.  It is pretty versatile and not a whole lot of taste so you probably won't notice it.

I buy peanut butter (Naturally More) that has flaxseed and flaxseed oil in it.   It is the third ingredient on the list, behind peanuts and wheat germ.  But I don't really know how much is in it.  I know between the wheat germ and the flaxseed there's enough to double the fiber from 2g (which is what regular PB has) to 4g per serving.  And it has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. 

You can also buy things like Kashi bars and cereals with flax seeds in them.  I take a supplement, but I aslo add them to my protein shakes sometimes.  I'm allergic to fish oil, so I have to go with flax seeds and other sources of omegas, too.

There are several forms you can take it in -- whole seeds, milled or ground, and oil. (or capsules).  Some cereals have whole seeds (Uncle Sam and Red Mills 5-grain "hot" cereal are two), some have milled or ground seeds.  The whole seeds are great fiber and a great source of the Omega-3s but can be tough until you get used to it.  The ground flaxseed -- just like Corrin512 said -- is very versatile and can be added to lots of things without affectin the taste.  The omega-3s are easily absorbed and the fiber benefit is obvious.  You can use the oil much the same way the ground/milled seed is used, however there is some controvesy about whether you get all the benefits when using the oil.

Remember, regardless of what your source is, there are calories/fat involved so don't freak out if you add it in and then look at your analysis -- remember it is a beneficial good fat (which you clearly understand)

I use the flaxseed oil every day!  I use it to mix my salad dressing in place of EVOO, and it has a heartier more nutty flavor.  I really like it this way.  My hubby doesn't so he cuts his Ranch dressing with the flaxseed oil and prefers it to any other dressing.

The oil must stay refrigerated as it goes bad quickly, which makes it nice for homemade dressings you store in the frig.  I also like to spread a Tbsp on my whole grain bagel in the morning in place of oleo or butter.

Oh, and my daughter is 8 months along, and her docs told her no more than 12 oz a week.

i make a shake in the morning that i got out of the book "You on a Diet" by Dr. Mehmet Oz it uses flax seed oil in it, i love this shake as i'm not a big breakfast eater but this is quite filling.

1/2 large ripe banana

1scoop[1/3 cp]soy protein

1/2 tbs flaxseed oil

1/4 cp frozen blueberries

1/2 tsp juice concentrate or honey if neede[ i find i don't need it]

1 tsp psyllium husks

8 oz water

blend all ingredients together and enjoy. i've switched the blueberries for other berries simply for variety, you can basically use any fruit you want, the book says this makes two servings though i usually drink it all! per serving the calories are:

136cal, 2.6g fat, 6.3g fiber, 16.8g carb, 29g protein, 380mg sodium, 93.5mg calcium, 33.1mg magnesium, 1.8mcg selenium, 195mg potassium

Thanks everyone for all this great information and the suggestions!  You're all so helpful!

I love flaxseed.  Thanks for the reminder--I'm having a teaspoon on some leftover buckwheat for breakfast.

I eat more ground flax seed by mixing it into applesauce.

I buy flaxseed in bulk (whole seeds) and its super cheap like .99 lb.  Then I just put the amount I need in a coffee grinder and grind it myself. The pre-ground kind is about $10 a jar!  The seeds will store in the cupboard fine, whereas once it's been ground it spoils quickly and needs to be refrigerated (same goes for the oil).  I've been told that your body can't really extract all the nutrients it needs from the whole seeds so grinding (or ground or oil) is the way to go.  The seeds don't have much of a flavor on their own (i've chewed on them whole & plain), or at least not an offensive flavor, so they can be added to pretty much anything without too big of a deal. 

The easiest ways to add it to food have already been mentioned: into a protein/smoothie drink, cereal, oatmeal, salad, applesauce, peanut butter, etc....

& using the oil as you would many different oils works great too.

My favorite way is in a protein drink. I use Spiru-tein (no whey). I put about 1/2 cup crushed ice, 24 oz water, 1 scoop Spiru-tein, and 1 tbsp freshly ground flax seed- into a large cup and use the handblender to blend for about 30 seconds til all the ice is gone.  Love it! Fills me up and gives me energy.

:)

I buy flax seed oil and make it into salad dressings!! It is quite delicious!!! I used a HEAFTY about of flax oil, mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar & mustard(dijon)...YUMMY! :) You can also get flaxseeds & make flax-crackers out of them: google it for a recipe!

I eat Alvarado Street organic, sprouted flax seed bread ALL the time (just 50 calories a slice!)

I buy ground flax seed and add a 1/2 tablespoon to my cold cereal or oatmeal.... it has a nutty flavor.

You can also buy any number of high fiber, low fat, flax-seed cereals.

=^..^= MOLLY

I love the taste of flax seed meal! I love putting a tablespoon or two into Fage yogurt w/ cinnamon, w/ cottage cheese and cinnamon, mix it with hummus and dip veggies into it, throw it in a smoothie, put it into oatmeal, put it into a bowl of cold cereal, etc.


Flax seed oil has more calories and doesn't have the fiber (4 grams per 2 T serving) that the meal has. But you could definitely use the oil to make salad dressing, put it into a smoothie, etc.

i am interested in using it as a cooking oil, does anyone know anything about smoke temp. is it a low heat oil or is it okay at higher temps? would it be an okay sub for baking or does it breakdown?

My mom made the BEST flax-crackers in the world and it was soooo simple: ground flaxseed, eggwhites & cinnamon! Bake em at like 350! until CRISPY! Plus, they make your house smell SOOOOOOOOOO good! Only problem: ADDICTIVE!!! 

A colleague turned me onto flaxseed.  We both use a coffee grinder and grind them fresh on a regular basis.

She puts hers on oatmeal.

I put mine mostly on Yoplait Light Keylime Whipped Yogurt...yum.  Even better with fresh berries, topped with any kind of yogurt, then the ground flaxseed.  I also like it on a salad.

I am going to try those flaxseed crackers someone listed...sounds good!

A colleague turned me onto flaxseed.  We both use a coffee grinder and grind them fresh on a regular basis.

She puts hers on oatmeal.

I put mine mostly on Yoplait Light Keylime Whipped Yogurt...yum.  Even better with fresh berries, topped with any kind of yogurt, then the ground flaxseed.  I also like it on a salad.

I am going to try those flaxseed crackers someone listed...sounds good!