What makes flaxseed healthy?

Flaxseed is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants and lignans. In fact, it's nature's best source of the Omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseed offers a wide range of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular, immune system and bone health. In addition, its lignans-which are strong antioxidants and phytoestrogens-can enhance women's and men's health. In addition, flaxseed is low in carbohydrates, high in protein and rich in dietary fiber, which offers cardiovascular benefits and helps with weight maintenance.

How much flaxseed do I need to provide a health benefit?

As little as 0.65 g whole milled MeadowPure™ flaxseed per serving can qualify your product for a "Good source of ALA Omega 3" nutrient content claim. For complete details on nutrient content, structure function and heart health claims, visit our labeling and claims section.

Which is better, whole or ground flaxseed?

Ground flax offers all the nutritional benefits of flaxseed, including fiber, lignans and antioxidants, all easily absorbed by the body. In contrast, the nutrients in whole flaxseed, which hasn't been milled, are not bioavailable for the body.

What is the difference between brown and golden flaxseed?

There is no nutritional difference between the two-they are simply different varieties of the seed. Growers in Canada primarily produce brown flaxseed, while those in the U.S. grow golden flax.

How much Omega 3 is in flaxseed?

MeadowPure™ flaxseed ingredients contain from 7 to 20% ALA Omega 3. Our MeadowPure™ Ultra product, the only ingredient with three major Omega 3s (AHA, EPA and DHA), contains 22% Omega 3s.

Do the Omega 3 fatty acids in flax convert into EPA and DHA, the Omega 3s found in fish oil?

Yes, flaxseed is rich in the Omega 3 ALA, which the body then converts to the Omega 3s EPA and DHA (which are also found in fish oil). Studies show that anywhere from 1 - 15% of ALA may convert to EPA and DHA when consumed. Conversion depends on a number of factors including; individual diet, gender, health history.

What are the nutrition content, health and structure function claim differences for ALA, EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids?

For complete details on the requirements and usage levels for each type of claim, visit our labeling and claims section.

Is the Omega 3 found in flaxseed heat stable?

Yes, flaxseed's Omega 3s remain intact during baking and other processing, providing flaxseed's full nutritional value in your finished products.

Is flaxseed a whole grain?

Yes, MeadowPure™ flaxseed can contribute to a whole grain health claim. For example, use it to replace the fat content in a cereal product-it contains the bran, endosperm and germ.

What are lignans?

Lignans are estrogen-like compounds found in plants, flaxseed in particular-it contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plants! Lignans, which are strong antioxidants and phytoestrogens, can enhance women's and men's health.

Which products are available as organic?

Our MeadowPure™ Ultra flaxseed and marine oil complex, BevGrad™ fine-milled, pasteurized whole flaxseed, NutriGrad™ lignan/fiber complex and SelectGrad™ whole milled flaxseed are all available in organic versions.

What are the storage conditions for flaxseed?

Store at room temperature (22° C/71° F) under cool, dry conditions. MeadowPure™ ingredients have a guaranteed two-year shelf life when stored at ambient temperatures.