Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is a colourless to yellowish oil obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). The oil is obtained by pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction.
Linseed oil is a drying oil, meaning it can polymerize into a solid form. Due to its polymer-forming properties, linseed oil can be used on its own or blended with combinations of other oils, resins or solvents as an impregnator, drying oil finish or varnish in wood finishing, as a pigment binder in oil paints, as a plasticizer and hardener in putty, and in the manufacture of linoleum.
Linseed oil use has declined over the past several decades with increased availability of synthetic alkyd resins—which function similarly but resist yellowing.
Flaxseed oil is an edible oil in demand as a nutritional supplement, as a source of α-Linolenic acid, (an omega-3 fatty acid). In parts of Europe, it is traditionally eaten with potatoes and quark. It is regarded as a delicacy due to its hearty taste, that enhances the flavour of quark, which is otherwise bland.
Flaxseed Oil
Best for: Salads, smoothies, cold dishes
Just one tablespoon…
Cooking Oil to Use (And When)Flaxseed OilBest for: Salads, smoothies, cold dishes Just one tablespoon of flaxseed oil dishes up seven grams of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), one of three essential omega-3 fatty acids.
In several studies, higher intakes of omega-3shave been linked to better heart health and reduced inflammation, so eat up!
However, according Hamshaw, “Oils that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like flax and hemp, are very heat sensitive and shouldn’t be cooked with.” So stick to cold preparations with this oil. Hamshaw also notes that flaxseed oil does have a distinctive flavor that may take some getting used to.
FLAXSEED …OIL FROM THE SEED IS A MEDICINE AND USES FOR NUTRITION
Flaxseed is the seed from the plant Linum usitatissimum. Oil from the seed is used to make medicine.
People try flaxseed oil for many different conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and high cholesterol. It is also tried for treating osteoarthritis, an…