Q. How much flax seed is really adequate?
From Shereen Jegtvig, Your Guide to Nutrition
I am a 63 yr old female. I take no medications. I do vitamins..I
recently purchased some whole ground flax seed meal. How much of
this should someone of my description take daily??. I hear it is
good to lower cholesterol plus a lot of other benefits. My sister
has crones disease and her doctor suggested she do 6 tablespoons
daily… to maintain good health..how much is really adequate??..
thanks for your time..Pat
A. Six tablespoons would equal about 90 grams of flax seeds and
the usual suggested amount is 2 tablespoons per day to help maintain
health. Two tablespoons of flax seeds each day would give most
people enough omega 3 essential fatty acids, however it is perfectly
safe to use larger amounts. People may use much larger amounts when
they are trying to lower their cholesterol, or to help with
menopausal symptoms, or to reduce inflammation. If you have any
of these health concerns you should talk to your doctor.
**Some people may have some gas and indigestion when they first start
taking flax seeds, so you might want to start with just one tablespoon
per day and work your way up until your digestive system gets used
to the extra fiber.