Q: I understand that ground flax seeds are good for lowering cholesterol. Are they available in medicinal capsules form? If they were available in medical stores, would it be convenient to use them directly, without grinding raw flax seeds?

A:Flaxseeds are naturally grown but not recognised as medicines. They are not marketed in the capsule form but are available in bulk food stores, selected super markets and some health food stores. The product has not been subjected to regulatory review. Hence claims on efficacy and safety have not been evaluated by any government agency.