AboutCarl Hoseney Expertise Properties and structure of cereal grains. Milling of grains and their processing into food or feed. The chemistry of cereal grains and what happens as grains are processed.
Experience 15 years with USDA as a research chemist. 25 years as a professor at Kansas State University and 3 years as President of R&R Research Services, Inc.
Publications Mainly Cereal Chemistry but many others also
This question is very important. It is all about Linseed and since it is super rich in omega 3 fatty acid, it should be eaten more since most people’s diet is seriously deficient in this essential fatty acid.
I tried to sprout linseed several times on a flat cotton sheet in a tray and it produced a slimy liquid. The strange thing is that I have sprouted wheat and millet in the same manner and even when they had a low germination rate, they never produced this kind of slime. Most odd.
Does this mean that this is something to do with the linseed’s unique bioactive ingredients ? Can you tell me how to best sprout linseed ?
From where can I buy linseed that has a guaranteed germination rate of at least 80% ?
I read somewhere that seed that does not germinate or has a low germination rate is nutritionally worthless. Can you tell me why ?
Would it be better to sprout linseed rather than have cold milled linseed or cracked linseed that I can buy from health food stores ?
Is consuming cold-pressed linseed oil more easily absorbable than cold-milled flaxseed ?
I have bought PREWETT’S ground linseed which is manufactured in the USA but it does not say it is cold milled on the packet. Can you tell me whether it is cold-milled or not please ? And if it is not cold-milled, would it make that much difference ?
The label says to take 2 spoonfuls a day. But I like so much, I must take 6 spoonfuls a day. Is this okay ?
Are the proteins and carbohydrates in food normally absorbed in the small intestine and into the blood ?
Thank you.
ANSWER: Trigan,
First a word of advice be careful what you read on the net. Some of it is good but not all.
The slimy liquid is a soluble fiber. Nothing to worry about. It may indicate you are using too much water.
It is is stored properly flax should have a high germination capacity. It does not lose all of it nutritional value but it does indicate it is not stored properly.
I have no comment on your questions about cold-milled flax. You cannot compare linseed oil with flax?
I would be careful about taking more than recommended. Blockages have occurred with excess consumption.
Protein and carbohydrate are broken down to there building blocks before they are adsorbed.
I hope this is helpful.
Carl
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QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.
Can you explain what is meant by blockages please ?
Can’t I rely on my own body giving me an indication that I am eating too much linseed.
I will tell you something. Since I have been eating ground linseed and cashews, the skin of the soles of my feet has been shed and new skin has taken its place. It has not happened anywhere else on my body. It may be just a coincidence. But I have rarely seen this happen in my life. What is your judgement on this ? Is there a connection between linseed and skin ? If I remember correctly, horses fed on linseed are known to acquire a shinier coat. Not sure though.
ANSWER: Trigan,
Blockage refers to blockage of the bowels. I will not commit on the changes in skin as this is outside my expertise.
Carl
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QUESTION: Carl,
In answer to my question which was :
Is consuming cold-pressed linseed oil more easily absorbed through the intestinal lining than cold-milled flaxseed ?
I did not understand your answer. Can you clarify please ? The reason I asked is that I am trying to determine whether I should choose either linseed oil OR the cereal-like milled linseed or flaxseed as it is also known.
Another question I still need to know the answer to is:
Are the proteins and carbohydrates in food normally absorbed in the small intestine ?
Or are they also absorbed in the stomach ?
Thank you.
Answer Trigan,
It seems to me you are comparing adsorption of an oil with the meal. This is comparing oranges and apples. I have not background in adsorption of these materials. The carbohydrates and protein would be absorbed in the small intestine.
