Ground Flaxseed
Serving size: 2 tbsp (14g)
Why Eat Ground Flaxseed?
Ground flaxseed is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), providing 200% of daily needs in just 2 tablespoons. It's also the top dietary source of lignans—plant compounds with antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties studied for hormone balance support.
At a Glance
Nutrient Fingerprint
Ground Flaxseed's top nutrients as % Daily Value (capped at 100%)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Daily Values
How It Compares
Copper (% DV) vs similar Seeds
Source: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Daily Values
Nutrient Absorption Tips
Vitamin C dramatically increases iron absorption
Pro tip: Squeeze lemon on your lentils or pair spinach with bell peppers
Learn moreVitamin D helps your body absorb calcium
Pro tip: Salmon + leafy greens covers both synergistically
Learn moreFolate and B12 work together for red blood cell formation
Pro tip: Lentils (folate) + eggs (B12) make a complete pair
Learn moreMagnesium is required to activate vitamin D
Pro tip: Pumpkin seeds + salmon = activation combo
Learn moreHigh fiber can reduce zinc absorption — balance intake
Pro tip: Space high-fiber and zinc-rich meals apart if possible
Learn moreVitamin K directs calcium into bones, not arteries
Pro tip: Kale covers both — or pair leafy greens with dairy
Learn moreZinc helps transport vitamin A from the liver
Pro tip: Sweet potato + pumpkin seeds covers both nutrients
Learn moreSelenium and vitamin E work together as antioxidants
Pro tip: Brazil nuts (selenium) + almonds (vitamin E) = antioxidant duo
Learn moreSelenium is essential for thyroid hormone conversion alongside iodine
Pro tip: Seaweed (iodine) + Brazil nuts (selenium) = thyroid support
Learn moreCopper is essential for iron metabolism and red blood cell formation
Pro tip: Liver and shellfish provide both — or pair cashews with lentils
Learn morePhosphorus and calcium work together for bone mineralization
Pro tip: Dairy naturally provides both in ideal ratios
Learn moreHigh zinc intake can reduce copper absorption — balance both
Pro tip: Vary your protein sources between shellfish, nuts, and seeds
Learn moreB6, B12, and folate drive the methylation cycle for DNA repair and homocysteine clearance
Pro tip: Salmon covers B6 and B12 — add lentils for folate to complete the trio
Learn moreLeucine triggers muscle protein synthesis — pair with complete protein for full effect
Pro tip: Chicken breast or eggs provide both protein and leucine together
Learn moreNutrient Profile
Showing all tracked nutrients in Ground Flaxseed per serving (2 tbsp (14g)), grouped by category.
Some nutrients (iodine, omega-3 from plant sources) have limited USDA data and may not appear above even if present in this food.
How to Eat Ground Flaxseed
Storage & Selection Tips
How to Select
Always buy ground (milled) flaxseed or grind whole seeds yourself. Whole flaxseeds pass through your digestive system undigested, wasting their nutrients.
How to Store
Store ground flaxseed in an opaque, airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. The oils oxidize quickly once ground.
Shelf Life
Whole flaxseeds last 1-2 years at room temperature. Ground flaxseed keeps 3-4 months refrigerated or 6-12 months frozen.
Practicality Ratings
How easy to prepare and use
How easy to find in stores
How many meal types it fits
Frequently Asked Questions
Ground Flaxseed Appears in These Nutrient Guides
Magnesium
13% DV per serving
Iron
4% DV per serving
Calcium
3% DV per serving
Zinc
5% DV per serving
Folate
3% DV per serving
Choline
2% DV per serving
Fiber
14% DV per serving
Potassium
2% DV per serving
Vitamin K
1% DV per serving
Selenium
6% DV per serving
Manganese
13% DV per serving
Phosphorus
7% DV per serving
Copper
22% DV per serving
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
17% DV per serving
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
3% DV per serving
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
2% DV per serving
Vitamin B6
6% DV per serving
Protein
5% DV per serving
Lutein + Zeaxanthin
1% DV per serving
Leucine
7% DV per serving
Isoleucine
7% DV per serving
Valine
5% DV per serving
Tryptophan
15% DV per serving
Lysine
5% DV per serving
Similar Foods (Seeds)
Compare Ground Flaxseed
See how Ground Flaxseed stacks up against another food, nutrient by nutrient.
Ground Flaxseed Supports These Goals
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See how Ground Flaxseed fits into a complete whole-food nutrition plan. Our free tool builds a personalized food stack based on your supplement goals.
Try the Supplement Replacer ToolDisclaimer: Nutrient values are approximate and based on USDA FoodData Central. Actual values may vary by source, preparation method, and brand. Not medical advice.