11. You spoon on whole flaxseeds to get those heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

Result: The omega-3s are tourists—they don’t hang around.

Flaxseeds are trendy, marketed as something of a superfood. They represent an excellent way to add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids to baked goods, oatmeal, and cereal. And they’re a good alternative to fish and fish oils for vegetarians or vegans. But whole seeds tend to, um, pass right through. 

What to do: Grind the seeds; unlock the goodness.