golden vs brown flaxseeds

[azalea]

Is there a difference in nutritional content between the two?

Thanks!

[Ilse W.]

From wikipedia.org

"Flax seeds come in two basic varieties, brown and yellow or golden, with most types having similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The exception is a type of yellow flax called Linola or solin, which has a completely different oil profile and is very low in omega-3."

I worked for a naturopathic physician who also said that there is no difference. The brown is usually cheaper so that's what I get.

[DebB]

That's interesting - I think it was Green Smoothie Girl on YouTube who mentioned that golden flax seeds are the younger seeds whereas the brown are fully mature. That golden is lower in nutritional value, but has a milder flavor. *Ü*

[violeta]

While we're on the subject of flax seeds, may I ask a different question about them. I took the easy way and bought flax seed meal, and it has a bitter taste. It's not passed the expiration date, but I'm still wondering if they could be rancid. I never tasted the meal before, but some flax crackers that I've bought did seem to have a bitter taste, too. Is that just the way they taste?

Thanks,

Violeta

[klomasius]

Violeta, it's always best to buy whole flax seeds and grind them as you need them.

The omega 3 oil can be quite volatile and degrade fast, the seed protects the oil but as soon as the seed is ground the oil begins the oxidation process.

I'm sure the ground flax will be fine to eat, it just wont have as much omega 3 in it.

I use both gold and brown and keep a jar of each in the cupboard. I use them both for flax crackers, and the golden ones for things like pizza bases, pancakes and sweet crackers.

[Aleesha Sattva]

The following information was taken from the Flax Council in Canada:

"A book recently published by Bantam Books, titled The Wisdom of Menopause, identifies the omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in flax seed as being helpful in alleviating menopausal symptoms. However, the author mistakenly describes golden flax seed as being more nutritious than brown flax seed. In fact, brown flax seed is nutritionally equal or superior.

Both brown and golden flax seeds have plenty of protein dietary fibre, and alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA). While some people prefer yellow-coloured seed in their cooking, brown flax seeds add the same nutrition to the diet as do golden ones.

The author may have been mislead by a U.S. promoter of golden flax. This type of statement has been made in the past by such promoters, possibly as a way of justifying to consumers the high price of their products.

Generally, the cooler summers of the Canadian prairies give flax an agronomic edge over the flax grown in other climates. Thus, a comparison of agronomic data on flax quality, compiled by the Canadian Grain Commission, shows that, as production moves south, the flax crop tends to produce seeds with less oil, higher protein content and lower ALA content. As golden flax is typically grown further south (in North and South Dakota), these characteristics can apply."

although what i've heard is:


Brown Flax VS Golden Flax

Most of the flax seed grown in North America is brown in color. Golden flax is a hybridized form of the common flax and is grown primarily as a food crop. The brown variety is grown for commercial use in the paint and solvent industries. Golden flax has several
characteristics that make it more appealing as a food and more effective as a medicine. The first major difference is in its flavor and eye appealing golden color which makes a more attractive and tasty addition to the diet. Golden flax is also. higher in Omega 3 fatty acid content and has a higher soluble fiber content, making it that much more effective for cancer patients, diabeties, and for lowering cholesterol. Golden Flax seed meal can be used as a better alternative to other fiber supplements like bran or psyllium husk.

[Myca]

I thought I just read yesterday that someone said Flax was not good, to use chia?
So is it good or bad?

[Myca]

Ok, I found it again. Rawstength said they caused a hormone imbalance if you eat too many and she said Kale damages thyroid.

[Aleesha Sattva]

both are news to me... i've never heard of that.

[violeta]

Klo, I know you're right about grinding your own. I'm not going to eat what I made with the pre-ground flax.

And Myca, yes, I have heard many times that flax is estrogenic. And I have estrogen dominance problems. I should stay away from flax altogether. I often do that.....try something against good advice because I think that I just may get away with it.

I also have hypothyroid issues, and kale and all the other vegetables in that family very obviously bother my thyroid.

What to eat???? I'll look into the chia seeds today.

Does anyone know if you can use them for baking in the same way as flax? I should be sprouting them instead, but for an occassional treat, it would be nice to make a bread or something.

Violeta

[Katelovessummer]

When you buy regular flax seeds from the health food store (like in the bulk bins) are they raw? I don't think they specified on the label. Do seeds have the same issues as nuts-- that is, even if they say "raw sunflower seeds" they are not really raw because they were steamed? Or do you think they are truly raw? If they are not truly raw, where do you find raw ones? Thanks!

[Ilse W.]

They are raw.

[RawHeaven]

My body seems to like both golden and brown flax seeds. I trust its inherent wisdom over any scientific data. :) If it doesn't gel with them, I will stop using them. In the meantime, my body thrives and my colon sings when I consume flax.