The Mayo clinic highly endorses whole flax seeds, ground or chewed. Flaxseed is a slight laxative, but is very high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and important phytochemicals called lingans. This humble seed is a very important food for the health conscious and especially for the raw vegan lifestyle.

Many of us make flax seed dehydrated (uncooked) biscuits by soaking this precious seed in water then making a "batter" of ground vegetables (such as the pulp from your juicer – why waste!).

Raw flaxseeds retain the phytochemicals and enzymes and light sprouting (in the form of soaking) enhances nutritional value. The question always becomes, "must I grind?"

The answer is, where possible. Our bodies may well digest some whole seeds, but typically many will pass through undigested. A quick buzz in the blender or coffee grinder, just enough to bruise will make the difference, as does soaking. Chewing the seed has the same beneficial effect, so when you're eating whole seeds (or nuts) chew very well.

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