Flaxseed is a good source of fiber, which is a nutrient that aids regular digestion, and can be used to alleviate the symptoms of constipation. Grinding flaxseed allows you to incorporate it into foods you already eat for an extra hit of fiber each day. Ground flaxseed is more easily digested than whole, thus making it a better choice if you suffer from constipation. Grinding flaxseed is simple, but it can also be purchased at most supermarkets.
Step 1
Place flaxseed in a coffee grinder, blender or food processor. Grind until it is smooth. This makes it easier to include in foods without altering the consistency.
Step 2
Store ground flaxseed in an airtight container. It should keep up to 90 days, but for the best flavor, the Flax Council of Canada recommends grinding it as you need it.
Step 3
Incorporate ground flaxseed into your smoothies. It has a slightly nutty flavor, but you may not even notice a taste difference and you may even realize that you enjoy the difference in taste that flaxseed offers. It pairs well with fruit and dairy foods, both of which are common ingredients in smoothies.
Step 4
Add ground flaxseed to cereal. Sprinkle it on cold cereal or oatmeal for a hit of fiber on your morning meal to prevent constipation throughout the day. If you enjoy granola, mix in some ground flaxseed or look for one that already contains it. The flavor goes well with nuts, seeds and dried fruit, which are ingredients in many types of cereal and granola.
Step 5
Bake with ground flaxseed. It won't dramatically alter the taste of your baked goods, but will offer you fiber that could relieve constipation. Add it to muffin or bread mix, stir it into pancake or waffle batter, or use it when baking cookies. You may need to reduce the amount of other dry ingredients by a small amount to make up for the addition of ground flaxseed. Experiment with your recipes until you find what works best for you.
Step 6
Include ground flaxseed in main dishes. You may think it will ruin the taste, but ground flaxseed works well in many recipes. Add it to pasta sauce, salad dressings, salads, rice pilafs, bean salads, vegetable or fruit salads or pie fillings. Use it as a crust for meats or fish.
Step 7
Talk with your doctor if you are taking prescription medications. The Flax Council of Canada recommends this because flaxseed may interact negatively with some medications.
Tips and Warnings
- Ground flaxseed is gluten free, making it a safe ingredient if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
Things You'll Need
- Whole flaxseeds
- Coffee grinder, blender or food processor
