Q&A for How to Prepare Flax Seeds

Yes. The term linseed is often used for commercial purposes, so the quality may not be food grade.

You should preferably use it raw, as flaxseed oil deteriorates with heat. If your main purpose is to just have a higher intake of fiber, cooking the ground flaxseed would be fine.

Yes. Unground and eaten whole, flaxseed will not be digested properly. Don't rely on chewing to kick start the digestion of the nutrient rich seeds.

The benefit of flax seeds resides mainly in their content of omega-3 fatty acids. Soaking flax seeds overnight softens them and is likely to make them easier to digest. But the water is worthless.

You can buy milled flaxseed, or just grind them with a coffee grinder.

Yes. It will just be softer.