Flaxseed

What is Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is also known as common flax or linseed. It is a flowering plant and one of the oldest cultivated crops.

While flaxseed has been around since 3000 BC, it is still relatively unknown as a food staple.

But with a wealth of health benefits, flaxseed is quickly gaining in popularity and making its way into a range of healthy, balanced diets.

Flaxseed doesn’t only just come as whole seeds, straight from the plant but also ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. This makes it even easier to incorporate into your diet.

Is Linseed same as Flaxseed?

Although there is no nutritional difference between linseed and flaxseed, the two do originate from different plants, both cultivars of Linum usitatissimum.

Linseed is a shorter plant with more branches and seeds. Linseed is typically used to produce edible seeds, often pressed into linseed oil.

Whilst, on the other hand, flax plants are taller but with fewer branches. The flax plant is often prized for its golden fibres, sometimes even being woven into rope and nets.

So, whilst they are very slightly different in structure, you can still benefit from the many nutritional benefits flaxseed and linseed have to offer.

What are the benefits of flaxseed?

Flaxseed is high in thiamine, a B vitamin that helps aid metabolism as well as aiding cell function. It’s also a great source of copper, which is involved in cognitive function, immune health, and iron function.

Flaxseed is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that helps aid heart health. ALA is a fatty acid that you must incorporate into your diet due to your body not naturally producing it.

Read more about the benefits of flaxseed here.

How to use Flaxseed

Flaxseed is said to have a mild nutty taste and crunchy texture. It is a versatile ingredient that can be added to many recipes whilst also enhancing the taste and texture.

Flaxseed doesn’t only just come as whole seeds, you can get it as ground flaxseed, which is thought of as getting the most nutrients. Ground flaxseed is perfect for adding to your breakfast smoothie, baking or check out this recipe for flaxseed porridge oats, ideal for an easy morning breakfast, packed with nutrients.

Flaxseed oil is also extremely popular, mostly due to its ease to incorporate into diets whilst still providing important nutrients. Flaxseed oil is made from ground flaxseeds that have then been pressed to release natural oil. Flaxseed oil can be taken as easy as digesting a spoonful! If not, add to salad dressings or smoothies.

Flax seeds benefits for hair

Flaxseed contains vitamin E, which helps to improve and maintain skin and hair.

Vitamin E helps protect the scalp from negative effects of free radicals, giving hair a healthy base to grow from

It can also help improve scalp circulation, encouraging hair growth.

Not only that, but vitamin E locks in moisture by creating a protective barrier over the scalp’s surface. This can help moisturise the scalp and prevent dry skin.

If you are suffering from an itchy scalp or have trouble keeping it healthy, try adding flaxseed as part of your healthy, balanced diet to see if it improves the hair and skin concerns.