Do You Need to Soak Flax Seeds Before Eating Them?
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium and lignans. They also contain phytoestrogens that balance hormones and are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps remove waste from the digestive tract and prevents constipation.
Are you wondering whether you should soak flax seeds before eating them? Yes, soaking whole or ground flax seeds is important because the body cannot digest the seeds fully when they’re still in their shells.
Soaking the seeds before you eat them makes them easier to digest and increases the amount of nutrients you get from the seeds. Soaking can also help prevent the phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor that may interfere with the absorption of some nutrients in unsoaked flax seeds.
How to Soak Flax Seeds
If you’re not sure if you want to soak your flax seeds, it’s a good idea to start small. A tablespoon of soaked seeds can provide you with an entire day’s worth of fiber and essential fatty acids.
Add soaked flaxseed to your oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies or salads for extra nutrition and a nutty flavor. Soaking can also make the flaxseed softer and slimier, which will enhance its texture in recipes that call for it, such as breads or muffins.
You can soak flaxseeds in water at room temperature for up to five days before using them in your recipes. The soaking process softens the flaxseed’s hull, making it easier for you to break the nut apart.
Soaking can be done with any type of seed, including wheat germ, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and chia seeds. Soaking is especially helpful if you’re planning to grind the seeds for use in recipes, as the enzymes needed to process the hull will be destroyed by grinding.
How to Soak Flaxseed in Water
To hydrate soaked flaxseed, pour a small amount of water over the seeds and let them sit for about 5 minutes. If you’re storing your soaked seeds for more than five days, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
How to Grind Flax Seeds at Home
You’ll find flax seeds in health food stores and grocery stores in a variety of forms. You can buy them whole or ground, and they’re also available in flaxseed oil, which is a concentrated form of the seed’s essential fatty acids and nutrients.
One teaspoon of ground flaxseed provides you with a healthy dose of protein, vitamins B and E, and magnesium. It’s a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has many benefits, including heart health and reducing inflammation in the body.
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate more flaxseed into your diet, try adding it to your oatmeal, putting it in a smoothie or blending it with milk and berries. You can also sprinkle it over your favorite foods or mix it into soups and stews for an easy and delicious addition to any meal.
You can also make homemade yogurt with flaxseeds. Adding about a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to an 8-ounce container of yogurt can give your yogurt a more nutritious punch and improve its taste. You can also add a little bit of ground flaxseed to hot or cold cereal for a quick boost of energy and fiber.
