Flax seed question

[Amuzon1]

I have heard that whole flax seeds are indigestible by our bodies. Is that not the case once they are soaked?

Thanks,
Danielle

[StarFire]

flaxseed is supposed to be very high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid, protein, Vitamins A, B and E, it is also believed to help maintain cell wall integrity, and inhibits the production of tumor producing cells.

It is said to help with menopause - including hot flashes...

and... its supposed to be a great analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, cleans arteries, and soothes irritations in the intestinal tract. It's also supposed to be great for the skin and keeps you regular too!

we must be digesting it in order to glean all these amazing things from it!

Flax RAWks!! :D

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/grin.gif

[snowdrop]

- that's why i coffee mill grind them when i use them. it breaks that impermeable husk and gets me to all the good stuff inside. the food processor just doesn't do the job.
:)
xoxoxo
-snow

[EZ rider]

I like to put enough water in my VM to cover the blades and then put the flax seeds in and start the VM so it pulverizes the seeds. After starting I add some ice in through the top. While its smashing up the seeds and ice I prepare the fruit and add it through the top and then put the greens in through the top. Its a fast easy way to get fresh flax seeds into your GS :)

[ciarac]

Flax seeds provide not only nutrients, which are only accessible when they are broken down with a coffee grinder (I use my blender which does a great job), they also have the ability to, when soaked in water, great a kind of glutinous mixture which is great for your digestive track as it acts as a kind of broom. SO, whether or not you can get at the nutrients, they rock.
Once you DO get at the insides of them, they'll give you nice soft skin and bright eyes due to the omega oils in them.

[Amuzon1]

I appreciate all of your responses, but they don't answer my questions. #1 Is it true that the body cannot digest whole flax seeds. I do grind mine in smoothies. But I want to know about WHOLE flax seeds, not ground flax. There are many cracker recipes I would like to try that simply have you soak the seeds and then mix the goo with other ingredients and then dehydrate. #2 Are soaked WHOLE flax seeds digestible by the body?

Thanks,
Danielle

[kaybee]

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19730

[ciarac]

I did answer your questions.
The body can only 'digest', i.e. assimilate nutrients from ground flax seeds. In their whole form they pass through the body, acting as a broom. Whether they are soaked or not soaked, they will pass through the body if they are not ground.

[VeggieMel]

Flax seeds that are ground go rancid quickly which is a good reason to eat them whole. Whole flax seeds are digestible as long as you chew them well. In other words, you grind them in your mouth. If you swallow them whole, they don't do you any good.