Flaxseed Oil Versus Flax Meal — Which is Healthier?

Both flax oil and ground flaxseeds have significant nutritional benefits but which one is better for your health?

Here is a comparison of flaxseed oil versus flax meal for omega-3s, lignans, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Omega-3 Content Comparison

The majority of people eating ground flax or taking the oil are doing so because of their very high omega-3 fatty acid content.

Flaxseed oil is more than 50% omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA), making it the highest commonly used, plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids.

The ground seeds, by comparison, are usually around 20% omega-3, which is still very high, though less than half of a good cold pressed oil.

If you are considering either flax oil or flaxseed meal primarily to increase your intake of omega-3 fats, then the oil would be the clear winner.

The alpha linolenic acid in the oil would be more easily assimilated as well, than in the flaxseed powder with its high levels of fiber.

That said, flax meal has other beneficial properties listed below that make it a more complete dietary supplement and well worth adding to your diet.

Lignan Benefits of Ground Flaxseeds Versus Flax Oil

Lignans are phytonutrients that act as estrogen modulators, making them particularly good for women. Ground flax meal is by far the highest source with around 80 grams of lignans in every ounce.

The oil by comparison is usually very low in lignans as the extraction process leaves them behind. Some manufacturers however have come up with high lignan flaxseed oil, where these phytonutrients are added back into the oil after extraction.

If you are looking for a good omega-3 supplement, but would still like the added benefit of dietary lignans, flax oil with them added would be an effective option.

Fiber Content

Flax meal is very high in fiber, with 1 tablespoon containing over 2 grams of dietary fiber. Around a quarter of this is valuable soluble fiber.

Flax oil, unless the high lignan version, does not contain any fiber so the ground seeds are a clear winner here.

Nutrients in Flax

Ground flaxseed is a good source of the minerals manganese, magnesium and copper. It also contains the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and folate and is rich in antioxidant vitamin E.

Flaxseed oil does not have the same variety of minerals and vitamins as they are mostly lost in extraction, with one notable exception.

The vitamin E content in the oil is concentrated compared to the ground seeds, with around 2 mg of natural vitamin E in a tablespoon of flaxseed oil.

Which is Better ⁠— Flax Oil or Flaxseed Meal?

In summarizing flaxseed oil vs ground flaxseeds, the oil is a far more concentrated form of omega-3 fats for weight loss and vitamin E. It’s also very good for better skin and acne.

The ground flaxseed meal, on the other hand, while not as high in omega-3s, does have the significant benefits of lignans, soluble and insoluble fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

If you felt you were lacking in omega-3 fatty acids (and a great many of us are) then taking a flax oil would be a good way to improve your intake.

However, if you’re looking for a broader range of beneficial nutrients, while still having a significant source of omega-3s, then fresh flaxseed meal would be an even better addition to your diet.

Some people, like myself, see good reasons to take both at different times of the day. There’ s much more on flaxseed oil dosage here and how and when to take it for best results.

Flax oil has a more powerful effect initially. However, there are more long term benefits to using organic flax meal in muesli, smoothies, fruit salads and other recipes regularly.