7 Fabulous Facts about Linseed to Know Today ...

Rosalina

If you're a fan of healthy eating, then you will know all about linseed, which is also known as flaxseed and there are some fabulous facts about linseed to know today. You are probably aware of its high omega 3 content already which is why you take it, but there are some other facts about linseed you may be interested to know and that you can amaze your fellow healthy eaters with!

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1. History

Linseed is one of the earliest crops cultivated by man and has so many uses, as you're about to discover. Fabrics made from flax have been found in Swiss lake dwellings, dating back to 8000 BC and it has been regarded as a health food for centuries. Purportedly, in 8th Century Europe, King Charlemagne passed a law which stated that people MUST eat it! This is just one of the fabulous facts about linseed.

2. Health Benefits

Linseed is known as one of the richest plant sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. These are essential for our health and King Charlemagne knew this which is why he wanted his people to be super healthy. What a thoughtful king! It's also fabulous for heart health and rich in fibre and minerals. Research is still being done but linseed has also been known to help people with other conditions such as joint pain, asthma, stress, allergies, constipation, eczema, acne, psoriasis, cholesterol levels and prostate problems.

Frequently asked questions

3. Golden and Brown

Did you know that linseed comes in two forms? There are the golden and the brown varieties of the flax plant and they are shown to have equal nutritional benefits. Canada produces the brown varieties and they are the world's biggest producer. This brown seed is commonly sold in ground form and converted to oil. The golden varieties are predominantly produced in the USm with Dakota Gold being a popular one with US producers.

4. Luscious Lignans

Linseed is one of nature's riches sources of lignans. These have two effects on the body. They're an antioxidant and as such have been said to help with the battle against cancer and in particular breast cancer. They also modulate oestrogen levels in women, which means they can act as natural form of hormone therapy and help when the hot flushes attack during menopause.

5. Big Business

Linseed really is a super seed. The UK is the world's fifth largest producer with around 70,000 tonnes grown here annually. There is obviously the huge market for human consumption but it's also used in animal feed to boost their health and in turn, ours.

6. Lovely Linen

Did you know that those beautiful linen trousers you're wearing are made from the fibers of the stalk of the flax plant? We often associate linen with bedding and clothing but in history it has been used for sails on ships and to wrap mummies in Ancient Egypt. Linen is so strong that 3,000 year old linen has been found intact!

7. Wonderful Words

Ever heard of the phrases "flaxen haired beauty" to describe a woman with beautiful blonde hair and the word "lingerie"? Well, they have their origins in the linseed. The "lining" in your jacket would have been made from, yes, you guessed it, linen! Linoleum is also named after the linseed oil which is used in its manufacture.

Is anyone else a fan of linseed? Perhaps you know some interesting facts about these mighty magical morsels of goodness.

Sources: cancer.org
ds.dial.pipex.com
brainyweightloss.com