Flax oil

Definition

Flax oil is pressed from flax seeds. Food-grade oil is cold pressed and typically sold refrigerated to maintain stability of its high omega-3 fatty acid content.

Health considerations

Fatty acid profile varies naturally, but flax oil is predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the majority of these being the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. Flax oil supplementation has been found to increase circulating and tissue levels of fatty acids with benefits for heart health. See: Flax; Alpha-linolenic acid; Omega-3 fatty acids

Keep in mind

As flax oil is used in a variety of industries including as a pigment binder in oil painting, it is important to buy food-grade flax oil. High heat cooking and even storage in direct light or at room temperature may compromise the fatty acid profile of flax oil.

May be found in

Flax seeds, omega-3 oil blends, nutritional supplements, sold as is

References

The Journal of Nutrition
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition