What is the difference between flaxseed oil and linseed oil

As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. What is the difference between flaxseed oil and linseed oil? Stacy Wiegman, PharmD. Both flaxseed oil and linseed oil are extracted from seeds of the plant Linum usitatissimu.

Fiber also helps lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, which also lowers your risk of heart disease. Flaxseed also contains lignans, phytochemicals that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. High intake of lignans may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and osteoporosis, although more research is needed to make conclusive statements.

Like fiber, the lignans in flaxseed are lost when the seed is made into oil. Flaxseed meal, however, is the richest dietary source of lignans -- containing Flaxseed meal is easy to incorporate into your diet. Add a tablespoon to your breakfast cereal or mix some into your yogurt. Mix some ground flaxseed into mayonnaise or mustard and spread it on your sandwich or sprinkle it into your soup. The flax plant is taller than linseed and is pulled by hand or nowadays by machine.

When you see food products called flax seed or flax seed oil it will almost certainly be linseed or linseed oil. The linseed plant is shorter and generally has a bigger seed with more oil. The Latin name for linseed linum usitatissimum means most useful , and it has been used in all its forms for many thousands of years.

Linseed oil is primarily used for industrial applications, particularly as an additive to paints and coatings. It is also commonly used as a paint thinner. Both linseed and flaxseed oils should be stored in dark or opaque containers to avoid breakdown from light exposure. Flaxseed oil is typically refrigerated to further prevent chemical breakdown. Refrigeration of flaxseed oil may help reduce changes in the quality of taste and aroma.

Flaxseed oil can also be frozen, but freezing may not offer significant advantages over refrigeration for preserving aroma and taste. Owen Pearson is a freelance writer who began writing professionally in , focusing on nutritional and health topics.

After selling abstract art online for five years, Pearson published a nonfiction book detailing the process of building a successful online art business. Pearson obtained a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Rio Grande in