Characteristics

• Name of the vegetable oil: Linseed
• Plant of the producer: Cultivated flax
• Botanical name: Linum usitatissimum
• Botanical family: Linaceae
• Origin (country where the vegetable oil is grown): France, Belgium, Egypt, China, Russia, Germany, Canada
• Part of plant: Seed
• Oxidative potential: Very sensitive

Organoleptic properties 

Botanical and organoleptic characteristics may vary according to production conditions (country, sun, organic production, etc.).

• Colour: Golden yellow
• Odour: quite pronounced (if the odour becomes rancid, this is a sign that the oil has oxidised and should not be consumed).
• Texture: Relatively fluid
• Taste: Bitter (depending on sensitivity) and strong

Fatty acid composition

The composition of vegetable oils is strongly influenced by the conditions under which they are produced.

In order to guarantee its quality, it is advisable to choose an extra virgin olive oil obtained by cold pressing, preferably of organic origin.

Monounsaturated fatty acids:

• 17 to 19% oleic acid (omega 9)

Polyunsaturated AG:

• 15 to 16% linoleic acid (omega 6)
• 55% to 60% alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3)

Saturated fatty acids

• 5% to 7% palmitic acid
• 3% to 4% stearic acid

Other active ingredients:

• Vitamin E
• Stigmasterol, beta sitoesterols, campesterol, squalenes, flavonoids.

Nutritional aspect

Flaxseed oil is so rich in omega-3 fatty acids that it is known as linolenic acid.

This makes it a valuable health ally, especially for the brain and cardiovascular system.

There have been many studies on the benefits of omega-3, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties.

Moreover, its balance of omega-6 and omega-3 gives it real qualities in terms of nutritional balance, particularly in the prevention of cardiovascular, cognitive or inflammatory diseases.

Flaxseed oil is a friend to the skin, the brain and the circulatory system!

Advantages

• Anti-inflammatory
• Emotional balance
• Prevention of cardiovascular disease
• Immunostimulant
• Laxative
• Anti-cholesterol
• Prevention of Alzheimer's and cognitive disorders
• Protection and action on the brain and related pathologies
• Reduces the risk of stroke
• Hormonal regulator
• Possible effect on endometrial and breast cancer due to high omega-3 content
• Prevention of blood clots (antiplatelet)
• Reduction of arrhythmia
• Restores the omega-6/omega-3 ratio
• Strengthens resistance to stress
• Regulator of intestinal transit
• Vasodilator

Indications

• Alzheimer's disease (prevention)
• Arteriosclerosis (in prevention, in combination with adapted diet and medical follow-up)
• Atherosclerosis (prevention, in combination with dietary modification and medical monitoring)
• Stroke (preventive)
• Blood clots (preventive)
• Breast cancer (prevention, in combination with adapted lifestyle) 
• Brain damage and neurological degeneration (in prevention, in combination with an adapted diet and medical monitoring)
• High cholesterol (in prevention and in combination with a good balanced diet)
• Constipation
• Depression (preventive)
• Hormonal imbalances (female cycle) (in conjunction with medical monitoring)
• Diabetes (in prevention and in support of an adapted lifestyle)
• Hypertension (prevention)
• Dry skin
• Stress, Anxiety
• Overweight, obesity (prevention, lifestyle support)
• ADHD (attention deficit disorder) and childhood hyperactivity disorder (over 3 years) 
• Disordered or difficult bowel movements (in support of an adapted lifestyle)
• Cognitive disorders (including memory) (prevention)
• Memory problems (prevention)
• Mood disorders
• Stress-related digestive disorders
• Digestive inflammatory disorders
• Inflammatory disorders (prevention)
• Cardiovascular diseases and disorders (prevention)

Precautionary measures

As a precaution, people with a thyroid imbalance should avoid flaxseed oil.

The cyanogens in linseed inhibit the metabolism of iodine by the thyroid gland.

The same caution should be exercised by women undergoing hormone treatment.

It should be noted, however, that these water-soluble compounds are not theoretically present in linseed oil, but only in the seeds. 

According to some sources, people on anticoagulants and blood pressure medication are also advised to avoid flaxseed oil.

We recommend that people take flaxseed oil orally over a period of time and that they have blood tests to check their blood clotting (prothrombin levels), as the oil seems to affect bleeding time.

The AFSSA also recommends that children under the age of 3 and people with bowel obstructions should avoid flaxseed oil.

Due to the strong oxidising power of flaxseed oil, it cannot be heated.

It can only be consumed cold, as a condiment, and can be kept in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 9 months after opening the bottle.

It is also advisable to buy a small bottle with opaque glass.

The cap should be closed tightly after each use and the bottle should not be exposed to light or heat.