can someone tell me a little about flaxmeal? as far as where to get it, what form does it come in and maybe what section of the store to get it from?

Thank you all

I think that you will find flax in just about any form is a great dietary enhancement. Nowdays, you can buy it in most major grocery stores. It is usually in the section that has different flours.

It may be tiny, but it's mighty: The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. And while it's not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains, while the amount of fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids in flax leaves grains in the dust. Additionally, flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance -- many dieters have found that flax seed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied.

Flax seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in such oils as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help.

Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 which is a precursor to the fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty cold-water fish (called EPA and DHA). Because not everyone is able to easily convert ALA into EPA and (especially) DHA, it is best not to rely solely on flax for your Omega-3 intake, but ALA also has good effects of its own, and definitely helps in the Omega 3/6 balance.

Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You'd be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber -- both soluble and insoluble -- than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.

Phytochemicals: Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances which tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Note that a) flax seeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available (otherwise they just "pass through") and b) flax seed oil alone contains neither the fiber nor the phytochemicals of whole flax seed meal.

All that said (from an article at About.com), I find that most of what was said is true. The way I use it is to get both whole seeds and the meal (which is the ground version). The problem with buying meal is that it loses it's potency very quickly once ground so I grind it from seeds kept in my freezer when I want to use it. I sprinkle it over salads, in yogurt, add to soups and stews, anything that it can be added to, I put in some. It is best not to eat the seeds without grinding them at least partially because your body can't digest the whole seeds so it is a waste of time to eat them that way. You can follow the links in the above article for more information.

In walmart and other grocery stores I haven't found ground flax seed but have found milled flax seed. I can't tell by the package if it's the same thing. Does anyone know? I have been using soy flour and for some things it's great but it doesn't really seem to absorb water all that well in the crock pot to make gravy with.

thank you celadon

I use ground flax daily...mix a spoonful into my yogurt with my vitamins. There are calories though! Something to keep in mind!