|  | Diet Nutrition | Healthy Eating

Differences in the Health Benefits of Linseeds: Gold Vs. Brown

Linseed is also commonly known as flax. Known taxonomically as linum usitatissimum. linseed has long used linseed as a cash crop and for oil, fabric, rope, painting and consumption. Originally from India, U.S. farmers grow and sell linseed. Gardeners also grow it for its aesthetically pleasing blue flowers.

  1. Health Benefits

    • Linseed is very high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is a desirable fat for a healthy heart and promotes lower cholesterol. It is high in fiber and provides you with essential vitamins and minerals, including B1, B2, C, E and carotene. It is also very high in lignin, benefiting not only the heart but also believed to protect against cancer. Linseed can also be used as a laxative.

    Gold Versus Brown

    • Gold and brown linseed have comparable nutritional qualities.

      Gold, or yellow, and brown linseed have very similar nutritional properties, so you will derive the same health benefits from both. There are some taste differences, with golden linseed having a slightly nutty, buttery flavor, so you may prefer it for that reason. Farmers commonly grow brown linseed seed for many other commercial uses, such as oil, paints and solvents.

    Storage and Preparation

    • You should grind whole linseed before eating.

      Linseed can be purchased whole or ground. You can also purchase oil. You will derive the most nutritional benefit from the whole seed; just grind it as you use it, either by hand or with a coffee grinder. You cannot digest whole seeds. You can store whole linseed at room temperature for about a year, refrigerate it in ground form if you will use it in a few days or freeze for up to 30 days.

    Recommended Consumption

    • Horse owners have long used linseed as a supplement feed for horses.

      You will gain the most health benefits from linseed if you consume at least 3 tbsp. in ground form. You can use linseed oil as you would any other oil. Linseed can have a laxative effect, so if you are a new consumer of linseed, do not overdo it until you know how you will react. Linseed is also for animal lovers, particularly for horses or dogs, and must be ground or soaked before feeding.

Healthy Eating - Related Articles