COLD-PRESSED UNREFINED LINSEED OIL
It is produced by pressing common flax seeds. It is characterized by an intense yellow color and a specific taste. It is not as popular as rapeseed, sunflower or coconut, which is due to its different uses. However, linseed oil is a product well known to lovers of a healthy diet and cuisine rich in valuable nutrients. To take advantage of all its goodness, it is worth knowing how to choose the right linseed oil and not getting fooled by the bottle.
A drop of omega-3
The greatest value of linseed oil is its high content of omega-3 acids, mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA). These are polyunsaturated fatty acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. They are one of the most important building blocks of cells, create a barrier against many diseases and improve the functioning of the entire body.
With fish and instead of fish
A diet rich in omega-3 contributes to improving mood, maintaining youth and vitality, as well as maintaining appropriate cholesterol levels and proper brain function. Pregnant women and children in particular should take care of it, although statistically in Poland each of us does not provide our body with enough omega-3. The biggest obstacle is the limited number of products containing them and the tendency to quickly oxidize, i.e. lose their health properties. These acids are found in fish and seafood and some types of nuts and vegetable fats. For this reason, high-quality linseed oil is an important component of the diet of vegetarians and vegans.
How to choose linseed oil?
- Referring to the nutritional values table. Good linseed oil is a cold-pressed, unrefined and freshly prepared product. It should be stored in a cool place and in dark glass bottles, limiting access to light. Typically, the more omega-3 fatty acids an oil contains, the shorter its shelf life. High-quality linseed oil (also often called Budwig oil) contains more than 50% of linolenic acid - i.e. omega-3 - about 15% of linoleic acid - omega-6 - and a small amount of saturated fatty acids.
Linen or Budwig?
Budwig's name is high-linolenic linseed oil. This noble variety was named after the German biochemist Dr. Budwig, who developed a diet based on the intake of omega-3 acids contained in linseed oil. Its main goal was to support the fight against cancer, heart disease and diabetes thanks to the appropriate ratio of omega-3 and -6 acids.