Flax fans are applauding Health Canadas Food Directorate, which has approved the first health claim for ground flaxseed as a food that improves cholesterol. Products containing flaxseed can now boast that daily consumption of 40 grams (five tablespoons) of the ground seed lowers unhealthy cholesterol levels. Grinding or milling the seeds, the agency noted, makes nutrients such as omega-3s more bioavailable. Flaxseeds can easily be incorporated into a wide range of food products, and very finely milled ingredients derived from the seeds can even be added to beverages. Canada leads the world in flax production.
