Flax seeds are chemically stable while whole, and milled
flaxseed can be stored at least 4 months at room temperature with minimal or no
changes in taste, smell, or chemical markers of rancidity.[4] Ground flaxseed
can go rancid at room temperature in as little as one week. Refrigeration and
storage in sealed containers will keep ground flax from becoming rancid for even
longer.
Reported health benefits:
Flax seeds contain high levels of lignans and Omega-3
fatty acids. Lignans may benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and
studies performed on mice found reduced growth in specific types of tumors.
Initial studies suggest that flaxseed taken in the diet may benefit individuals
with certain types of breast and prostate cancers. Flax may also lessen the
severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. There is some
support for the use of flax seed as a laxative due to its dietary fiber
content[3] though excessive consumption without liquid can result in intestinal
blockage. Consuming large amounts of flax seed can impair the effectiveness of
certain oral medications, due to its fiber content.
Raw flax seed contains the chemical hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or cyanogenic
glucosides which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities
Information provided by USDA (100 grams = 3.5 ounces):
