Difference Between Ground Flaxseed and Flaxseed Meal

In a busy life schedule, one always has to think about their health as a priority. Apart from having a properly balanced diet, one should also pay attention to consume extra nutrients. Paying attention to your skin and body is a necessity in times like this. 

Nowadays, nutrients can be consumed by taking extra supplements required by your body. One can take protein supplements or vitamin supplements as your body requirement. We should always try to eat healthy food and consume the best diet possible. A balanced diet should contain vegetables, grains, meats, fruits, nuts, and other necessary diet requirements. 

Ground Flaxseed vs Flaxseed Meal

The main difference between ground flaxseed and whole flaxseed is the methods they undergo. The first one undergoes only the grinding process, while the latter undergoes both grinding and processing of flaxseed. The processing of flaxseed is done for the extraction of oils from the flaxseed (also known as linseed). Flaxseed oil is then used for different purposes and has its own benefits.

Ground flaxseed is grounded flaxseed, or flaxseed when ground to make the particle size small is known as ground flaxseed. They have more nutritional value than compared whole flaxseed as they are absorbed by the body better. The principal component present in ground flaxseed is an omega-3 fatty acid.

Flaxseed meal is the dried flaxseed powder obtained as a residue after the processing of flaxseed or ground flaxseed. The nutritional value is the least among all the flaxseed products. The principal component present in flaxseed meals is fibers and not omega-3 fatty acids.

Comparison Table Between Ground Flaxseed and Flaxseed Meal

What is Ground Flaxseed?

Ground flaxseed is flaxseed that has undergone the process of grinding. Grinding of flaxseed results in the reduction of size, and the seeds are o more intact. Linseed is the second name for flaxseeds. Flaxseed mainly comprises omega-3 fatty acids and is a plant-derived product. Flaxseeds also contain a good amount of fiber which is one of the major components of a balanced diet.

Ground flaxseeds have more nutritional value than whole flaxseed as the process of grinding helps in better unlocking the nutritional benefits. Flaxseed is grounded so that it could be easily absorbed, and the omega-3 fatty acids are consumed by the human body. The flaxseed, when taken as whole flaxseed by humans, does not get absorbed and passes through the whole digestive system without being digested.

Flaxseed also contains a good amount of calories, proteins, fibers, carbs, unsaturated fats, poly-saturated fats, etc. Flaxseed contains minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium. People often take ground flaxseed in their cereal bowl for breakfast or mix the ground flaxseed with water and drink it. It is also used in making various dishes and desserts in India.

What is Flaxseed Meal?

Many people refer ground flaxseed and flaxseed meals as the same. People often get confused about the two. A flaxseed meal is slightly different as it does not have many nutritional benefits. A flaxseed meal is grounded flaxseed which is processed for the extraction of the oil containing omega-3 fatty acids. This is a dried powder of flaxseed that is left after the processing of flaxseed.

The flaxseed meal contains fibers, proteins, lignans, cards but does not contain a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acid. The minerals flaxseed contains zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. The flaxseed meal is in dry powder form and is often consumed by people. The flaxseed meal is taken with oatmeal, salads, smoothie bowl, cereal bowl, and to can also act as a substitute for breadcrumbs for fish, chicken, etc.

Flaxseeds are known to reduce blood sugar level, decreases blood pressure and also helps in reduction of cholesterol. Flaxseeds also help to reduce inflammation and protect against various types of diseases. Flaxseeds meal is also used as a baking ingredient in making cookies, muffins, brownies, etc. it is also used in making bread and is a healthy option for your daily intake of fibers.

Main Differences Between Ground Flaxseed and Flaxseed Meal

1. Ground flaxseed is grounded flaxseed or ground flaxseed. Flaxseed meal is grounded and processed flaxseed.
2. Ground flaxseed has a rough texture, while flaxseed meal is a fine dry powder.
3. Ground flaxseed is rich in both omega-3 fatty acids and fibers. Flaxseed meal is rich in fiber.
4. Ground flaxseed undergoes only the grinding process and can be made at home easily. Flaxseed meal undergoes both grinding and processing. Processing food to obtain their oils is not possible at home as it requires much equipment.
5. Ground flaxseed has more nutritional value than flaxseed meal.

Conclusion

There are a wide variety of nutritional products out in the market to choose from. Even the flaxseed comes in different types, such as whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, flaxseed meal. Flaxseed oil, etc. The emerging need for supplements is one of the big parts of our daily life. People consume ground flaxseed as they are more nutritional and has omega-3 fatty acids, which help in a lot of health issues. Flaxseed meal is an option when one wants a fiber-rich diet to keep the digestive system on track. Both have their own nutritional value and are rich nutrition sources.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119455053
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-0159.2008.00124.x