Edible linseed oil (cold-pressed) - benefits and use in nutrition
What is edible oil?
Linseed oil is obtained from linseed, the ripe seeds of the common flax (Linum usitatissimum), also called flax. Other species of linseed from the Linum genus are also used in smaller quantities in the oil. Linseed oil has a slightly nutty, mild taste and the gentle cold pressing process preserves all the important ingredients. However, these do not make the edible linseed oil durable for long. If stored in a cool place away from light, the oil can be consumed for about 6 weeks.
What are the differences to conventional oils?
Not every oil is the same. The various edible oils sometimes differ fundamentally in their ingredients. Roughly speaking, fats can be divided into three groups: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. All three are important for the body, but most oils and fats on the market contain mainly or only saturated fatty acids. This easily leads to a deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids.
The polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly healthy. These play a key role in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, most people do not consume enough of them. This is exactly where edible linseed oil comes into play. Linseed oil is the top performer when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids. Over 50% consists of these important fatty acids. No other oil can boast such a high value.
How can edible flax oil be used?
Linseed oil has a positive effect on health in many ways. For example, the consumption of linseed oil is recommended for circulatory diseases. But the oil also has an effect on a weak immune system, cracked skin and complaints during the menopause. Linseed oil helps to regenerate the cells, which is why it alleviates the symptoms of neurodermatitis or chronic intestinal diseases.
The consumption of linseed oil is particularly important in a vegan or vegetarian diet in order to supply the body with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids. To preserve all the valuable ingredients, it is advisable to use the oil only cold. It is suitable for salads, smoothies, vegetable crudités or various cold dishes such as quark or jacket potatoes.
What makes edible flax oil so special?
The use of linseed oil has been known for thousands of years and has been proven in ancient Greece, among other places. It is even the first oil that was historically produced in Europe.
Linseed oil is one of the few edible oils whose content of omega-3 fatty acids exceeds that of omega-6 fatty acids. In addition, this oil has a high vitamin E content, which is particularly beneficial for skin regeneration. Last but not least, edible flax oil is even used for pets. It helps cats during the change of coat, dogs when they are fed and horse fur gets its natural shine back from linseed oil.
What are the advantages of LIVOS edible linseed oil?
We guarantee a high quality standard through regular quality controls and laboratory tests. The linseed cake (linseed cake is the press residue from linseed oil extraction) is regularly and successfully tested for nutrients, contamination by heavy metals, dioxins, furans, genetic engineering, mycotoxins and pesticides. The corresponding test results from the LUFA ITL laboratory (Kiel) can be found online here. In addition, we obtain the seeds we use from suppliers in Germany and have many years of experience in the selection of varieties and taste testing. In order to optimally protect the LIVOS linseed oil from UV radiation, the linseed oil is filled into brown bottles after completion of the production.