Should flax seed ever be heated?
It really is a frequently asked question when men and women wish to start consuming flax seed. The answer is no in a perfect world but there has been research that indicates that heated at temperatures needed to bake breads & muffins for example is OK and does not denature the flax seed contents significantly.
Why should you be at all concerned? It is all to do with oxidation. The healthy essential fatty acids contained within the flax seed meal reacts with heat and oxygen and goes rancid i.e. goes off and turns into a form that that is no longer of use to your body. Best really to sprinkle your flax seed meal on cereals and salads or add to smoothies etc.