flax seed uses?

[flyinion]

Ok, so when I went shopping for all the basics a few weeks ago I picked up some flax seed, not the golden just the "regular" dark ones like Alissa used to make the crackers on the DVD. First, what kind of effect does flax seed have on a body? I thought I'd heard they had a specific effect of some kind so it would be nice to know before I go eat a bunch lol. So with that out of the way, can these dark ones be sprinkled on salads for instance? Or should I be using the golden one for that? What's the difference between the two other than color?

[vegangelist]

i don't really think there is much difference between the two taste-wise. but, maybe the goldens are a bit milder. Nutritionally, I believe that the goldens are a bit higher in certain areas. but, both are still good.

as far as effect: imagine a little broom inside of your intestines.....sweeping stuff out the bottom of that little tube you call your colon :) actually, if you have not had much fiber in your diet, i would recommend easing into the flax consumption gradually. basically, if you eat the seeds whole, your body will not absorb them really, they will just form some mucilage and sweep out your colon. which, is not a bad thing-you just need to be aware of that b/c i don't know what condition your colon is in at this point. i eat lots of flax and i am fine with it....but it does clean me out. now, if you grind the seeds up (you can do this easily with a coffee grinder that has moved on to a higher and better calling :)), it will still have a somewhat laxative effect, but not to the same degree. also, eating them ground up will allow your body to absorb more of the nutritional value of flax, b/c the whole seeds tend to just sweep right thru you. so, for all the omegas and lignans and other goodies, grind up the seeds, sprinkle on salad, on "unbaked" goods, in smoothies, etc...

aesthetically speaking, the goldens tend to be less disturbing looking (to much association with the dark ones being like bugs, or poop or whatever...doesn't bother me tho, but others). however, i do believe that the goldens are a bit more expensive. so, use what ya have, eat the ones that you prefer.

kristi