Bob's Red Mill Brown Flaxseeds 13 OZ

Brown Flaxseed, also known as linseed, are harvested from the flax plant. Our brown flax seeds, just a little larger than sesame seeds, contain omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, dietary fiber and protein. Add our delicious flax seeds to breads, cookies, cereals and pilafs, or grind them into flaxseed meal!Description

Nutrients and Flax

Don’t let the tiny, unimposing size of brown flax seeds fool you: the potential benefits of flaxseed are mighty. For instance, flaxseeds are an excellent source of soluble fiber. They are also the most widely available botanical source of omega-3 fatty acids. Most Americans don't consume nearly enough omega-3s, and eating flax seeds is an easy and tasty way to get these essential fatty acids in your diet!

Studies also indicate that regular consumption of flax seeds may help maintain blood sugar levels, prevent high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. Brown flax seeds are also a source of lignans, a phytonutrient with potential health benefits, and contain 6 grams of plant-based protein per 3 tablespoon serving.

Uses for Flax

Flax seeds can be eaten whole, sprouted or ground. The nutrients in ground flaxseed are better digested by the body, and fortunately it’s easy to make ground flaxseed at home: just whirl them in a coffee grinder or blender to crack the outer hull and release the benefits of brown flax in seconds.

History of Flax

Flax has been cultivated for thousands of years as a source of textiles, food and oil. In fact, there’s evidence that wild flax was spun and dyed in Paleolithic times! While flax was initially cultivated in the Fertile Crescent, it quickly spread to Syria, Germany, Switzerland, China and India. Flax held an important role in Egyptian society as a symbol of purity: not only were priests only dressed in linen, but mummies were wrapped in it.

In the Middle Ages, Europe became a major player in flax production, where it was raised for fiber and oil. Flax later spread to North America, where it flourished until the rise of cotton, which was cheaper to grow, limited production.