Adding flaxseed to a poor diet is not likely to help much. It s best to buy them in quantities that you will use within a few months and to store flaxseed flour and oil in the refrigerator once opened. The seeds of the flax plant have a hard outer coating. Unless they are ground or thoroughly chewed, they pass through the body undigested. Also, the raw seeds do contain small amounts of cyanogenic glucosides, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Cooking seems to break down the toxic components.
Both flaxseeds and flaxseed flour can be found in some breads, muffins and cereals, generally sold at health food stores. Flaxseed is high in fiber, so it s important to increase water intake along with increased in flax intake. In rare instances, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to flaxseed. For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Cooperative Extension office . Go to top of this page.