When preparing the Budwig Mix (also known as the Budwig Muesli), is it best to use flaxseed oil or flaxseeds in the mixture?
First, watch the following presentation and then keep reading to find out the answer:
Flaxseed Oil Vs. Flaxseeds
The simple answer is; you can use both. Dr. Johanna Budwig treated over 2,500 people with all types of cancer, and the results were outstanding. When she prepared the Budwig mix, she ground up fresh flaxseeds and added them to the mixture. Flaxseed oil provides similar benefits as the seeds; however, we have a few words of caution.
Our Recommendations
If you opt for the oil over the seeds, the most crucial point to consider is that it can become rancid if not properly cared for and stored. When purchasing flaxseed oil, do not buy the first bottle you find in the supermarket. We recommend searching for a reputable company that takes the correct measures in pressing, storing, and distributing the oil.
In Spain, the home of the Budwig Center, we are fortunate enough to have providers like LinoVita. Their flaxseed oil is unfiltered, organic, cold-pressed, and they take great care to ensure that the oil is always between 5ºC and 12ºC. Bottles are placed in individual Styrofoam insulators and shipped by overnight couriers using a cooler. Deliveries are only scheduled between Tuesday and Friday so that containers never spend the weekend or more than one night in a storage facility. Sadly, this is not the policy of all providers, which makes it challenging to find good quality flaxseed oil.
For more information, watch this video:
Fresh Is Best
To make sure the oil is fresh, here are some excellent tips from Dr. Mercola:
“A good way to test the freshness of flaxseed oil is to pour a few tablespoons into a wine glass, which will usually have a narrower opening than a regular glass, making the aroma more distinct. Place your nose right over the opening and inhale deeply. Rancid flaxseed oil is said to emit a slightly bitter, “off” odor, similar to old, cooking oil. Flavor is as dependable as the smell in this instance. If you taste flaxseed oil and it’s “strong,” bitter or burnt-tasting, it’s probably rancid.
Naturally, you want a clean, light fragrance as well as taste, denoting freshness. If either taste or smell is in any way unpleasant, trust your instincts and give it a thumbs-down. Fresh flaxseed oil is clear, golden yellow, with no cloudiness, although it may also contain tiny bits of ground flaxseed, denoting valuable lignan compounds. While the flaxseed oil is still in the wine glass, hold it up to the light and tilt it sideways. A hazy “texture” in a dark-yellow hue rather than clear translucence is not a sign of freshness.”
Try Soaking Your Flaxseeds
Soaking Flaxseed is a good option for those living in countries where quality flaxseed oil is not available. Also, an advantage that flaxseeds have, is that you will also get the shell or husk of the seeds, which contain essential nutrients. The husks are discarded in the oil extraction process.
If you decide to use only seeds instead of oil, put five tablespoons of organic flaxseeds into a bowl and add ten tablespoons of water to cover the seeds and leave them to soak overnight. (Please be mindful that it is always best to soak the seeds for at least 12 hours before use.) Now you will be able to blend the presoaked flaxseeds using an upright stick blender and then add six tablespoons of cottage cheese/quark and blend both for a minute. Include other healthy ingredients to make the taste to your liking.
References:
- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/25/how-to-know-when-flaxseed-is-rancid.aspx
