For the past year there's been quite a buzz about flaxseed.  These healthy little seeds can now be found in bread, pasta and breakfast cereal.  Katherine Zeratsky, dietician at the Mayo Clinic, has an excellent summary of why these seeds are so good for you and answers the question of whether whole or ground flaxseed is more beneficial:

Most nutrition experts recommend ground flaxseed because your body is better able to digest it. Whole flaxseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you won't get the health benefits of flaxseed.

Flaxseed is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals called lignans. Flaxseed can help reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels — and, as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, but it doesn't have the beneficial fiber that the seeds have.

You can purchase raw flaxseed in bulk — whole or ground — at many grocery stores and health food stores. Whole seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder and then stored in an airtight container for several months.

Although the Institute of Medicine has not set a recommended daily intake for omega-3 fatty acids, it has established adequate intake amounts of between 1.1 and 1.6 grams per day for adults. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed provides 1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.

So there you have it: ground is best.  Hit the jump for some great tips on how to incorporate flaxseed into your diet and how to use flaxseed as a replacement for eggs in recipes.

» The Mayo Clinic