The Nutritional Information For Ground Flaxseed

Flaxseeds, also known by the scientific name Linum usitatissimum and by the common name linseed, come from flax plants that grow throughout the northwestern portions of the United States and Canada. Ground flaxseeds are a rich source of fiber, phytochemical compounds and fatty acids that are believed by medical professionals to help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

Ground vs. Whole Flaxseeds

According to both MayoClinic.com and the McKinley Health Center site, ground flaxseeds offer more nutritional benefits than whole flaxseeds. When the seeds are ground, your digestive system is better able to absorb the seeds' nutrients. When they are not ground, the seeds may pass through your system completely undigested.

Calories and Fat

One tbsp. of ground flaxseeds contains approximately 37 calories, with 73 percent of these calories coming from fat, 21.6 from carbohydrates and 10.8 from protein. Ground flaxseeds contain a particularly high concentration of fatty acids known as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are essential for enzyme regulation, cholesterol metabolism and the maintenance of cell membranes. According to the Mayo Clinic website, one tbsp. of ground flaxseed contains 1.6 g of omega-3 fatty acids, an amount that the Institute of Medicine recommends as an adequate daily intake amount for adults. Flaxseeds do not contain any saturated or trans fats.

Protein and Carbohydrates

The McKinley Health Center site reports that flaxseeds provide all of the amino acids needed for the body to assemble complete proteins. One tbsp. of ground flaxseeds provides one g, or two percent of the daily recommended intake of protein. The carbohydrates in ground flaxseeds are predominantly fiber -- each tablespoon contains approximately two to three grams of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble.

Vitamins and Minerals

Ground flaxseeds are rich in the following vitamins and minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, lutein, folate, choline, tocopherol, niacin, betaine and Vitamin K. Of these, the most prominent are potassium at 57 mg for every tablespoon of ground flaxseed, 45 mg of phosphorus, 46 mcg of lutein, 27 mg of magnesium and 18 mg of calcium.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals thought to have properties that can prevent certain diseases, and ground flaxseeds contain a large amount of them, especially the type of phytochemicals known as lignans. Ground flaxseeds also contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids and phenolic acids. All of these compounds may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may prevent the development of certain types of cancers.