Yes, it is OK to eat flaxseed every day. While there is no specific recommended amount, research suggests that 10 to 30 grams, or about 1 to 3 tablespoons per day of ground flaxseed, is well tolerated.<\/span> To reap the health benefits of flaxseed, our experts recommend consuming ground flaxseed, which is easier to digest, absorb and use by the body.<\/span>,<\/span><\/p> If you have never tried flaxseed or are eating foods with higher fiber, Chou suggests starting with 1 teaspoon daily and slowly working up to 1 tablespoon. “Make sure to stay well hydrated<\/a>, as increasing fiber too quickly without enough fluids can lead to gas, bloating and constipation.”<\/span><\/p> Flaxseed has soluble and insoluble fiber, with soluble fiber being the prebiotic, acting as the food to fuel the gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool to keep digested food moving along the digestive tract, minimizing or relieving constipation.<\/span><\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the downside of eating flaxseed every day?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Because flaxseed is rich in fiber, drink plenty of fluids to avoid bloating and constipation. <\/p> <\/p> If you’re concerned about cadmium levels in flaxseed, Arend suggests reaching out to the brand before making the purchase. Also, if you plan to be pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, he recommends consulting with your health care provider before incorporating flaxseed into your diet.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Is flaxseed the same as chia seeds?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Flaxseed and chia seeds<\/a> come from different plants, but they have similar nutrient profiles and cooking applications. For example, both types of seeds have plant-based omega-3 fats and can be used as an egg substitute. One notable difference is that chia seeds form a gel more easily when mixed with fluids, making them a popular ingredient for yogurts, overnight oats and puddings.<\/span><\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How long can I store flaxseed?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Whole flaxseeds can stay fresh up to two years from the date of purchase when stored in the pantry, while ground flaxseed can stay fresh for up to 1 year if kept in the fridge or freezer.<\/span> Sauceda and Chou explain that when seeds with high omega-3 content, like flaxseeds, are ground (versus whole); they’ll go bad more quickly, especially when exposed to air, heat or light.<\/p> <\/p> They recommend buying whole flaxseeds, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge, and grinding them as needed to preserve their nutrients and minimize oxidation. Chou adds, “For even longer shelf life, store whole flaxseed in the freezer.”<\/p>"
}
}
]
} ] }
]
<\/strong><\/p>
While flaxseed consumption doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding, Chou advises checking with your health care provider about any potential interactions with medications.<\/span><\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What does flaxseed do to your gut?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "
Another aspect to note about flaxseed is that it may contain heavy metals, specifically cadmium, says Thomas Arend, RD, LD<\/a>.<\/span> Cadmium is a heavy metal naturally present in the soil, and is absorbed by plants and accumulated in the seeds.<\/span>While flaxseed may have trace amounts of cadmium, the good news is that the Food and Drug Administration monitors and regulates foods that contain cadmium by having policies in place to lower the levels in foods through agricultural or manufacturing methods.<\/span><\/p>