The Truth About Flaxseed: Rancidity and Oxidation

Should we avoid flax due to concerns of rancidity and possible oxidation? How should we store flax to prevent this? Should we buy our own flax seeds and grind themselves or can we buy store bought ground flax? Does cooking flax destroy the lignans and omega 3? Let's find out...

DISCLAIMER
This information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, studies, audio and other material contained in this video or youtube channel are for informational purposes only. No material on this channel is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.

Studies & links
Effect of processing and storage on the stability of flaxseed lignan added to bakery products

Dr Greger's YouTube Channel

Dr Greger's website

Time Stamps
0:00-0:13-Why we must grind flax
0:14-0:22-Oxidation & Rancidity
0:29-1:16-Lignans heat stable
1:18-1:36-6 months at room temperature
1:37-2:00- Surrounded by antioxidants

[janerkenbrack]

I've been thinking about this very thing lately. I don't mind grinding my own flax seed, but pre-ground is more convenient. Good to know it retains the benefits.

[Articapilus]

I avoid treating flaxseeds with heat to prevent omega-3 oxidation and the formation of AGEs.

[wilderastwood]

Thanks for the information. I'm glad to know that ground flaxseed can be used safely in baking. 😊

[cascaderiverflows]

I purchased organic ground flax and was wondering about this. Thanks again for your video and Dr. Greger.

[midasghijsels]

He sounds just like Charlie Kelly, love them both.

[richyakuoko]

Thanks so much for sharing this information. Great information as usual.

[stephaniehenderson]

I like to grind my own as I do a mix of various nuts, spices and seeds that I use in my baked goods. This gives me the benefit of eating a wide range of different foods in one go. Just one word of warning to folks who are thinking of investing in machines to grind their own- you need a good powerful machine, but larger is not better as the mixture will get heated up and the slightly warmed oils in the nuts and seeds will cause it to clump together and give you an uneven result, doing it too long will give you a nut/seed butter (fine if that is what you want.) I find small amounts in the Nutribullet best or Vitamix if you want nut butter. In my experience, the cheaper spice/coffee mills do not have enough power. It is not easy to afford these machines, but if you save up gradually, you will get there in the end. I have been doing this for years.

[flyshacker]

Grind your own and use it immediately! It’s easy, and that way you KNOW it’s fresh.

[wxxrrlg]

Finally, someone saying this, I get really sick taking ground flaxseed, like almost immediately. So I stopped even though my body really needs it so bad 😢

[bjornjurke]

Good information!

Could you also say temperatures in Celsius? There are probably many outside the english speaking world watching your videos who are not used to Farenheit. Of course one can look up how to convert Farenheit to Celsius, which I did, but it would be easier if you said it. Just a suggestion

Thank you for all the information you give us in this condensed form. Very appreciated.

Björn

[louisefletcher]

Thankyou soooo much for sharing your healthy insights and trusted information 🙏

[sharonloomis]

1. Freeze my flaxseeds. 2. Grind them as needed. Place the ground seeds in a jar and freeze them. So they are always frozen. Period.

[elisabetbroms]

European authorities/experts give the advice only to use ground flaxseed in small amounts and only heated/cooked, because they contain a substance that turns into poisonous hydrogen cyanide. Here in Sweden ground flaxseed have not been sold for years. Whole seeds are OK because they pass through the body, but then you don't get much of the benefits either.

[theancientsancients]

So is ok to just buy actual flax seeds or other seeds and just grind them while blending a smoothie?

[scotty]

I freeze it and use st8 from freezer in oats

[ceeemm]

My flaxseeds are ground and eaten on porridge or put onto soup about 2 minutes before I eat then.

[elizabethrash]

If ground flax seed smells fishy, is it rancid? Thank you

[HakuCell]

i use flaxseed oil as my main source of short-chain omega-3's. is that ok? cronometer confirms flaxseed oil is very high in omega-3's.

[sharonironman]

I didn't know you had to ground flaxseeds, i take mine whole in my oats, is that ok?😮

[brucemaher]

When meat goes off you know ...but when a seeds goes off you DONT KNOW...and becomes poisonous