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Facts on Flax Seed
Scientific
classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division:
Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:
Malpighiales
Family: Linaceae
Genus:
Linum
Species: L. usitatissimum
Binomial name:
Linum usitatissimum Linnaeus.
Common flax (also
known as linseed) is a member of the Linaceae family,
which includes about 150 plant species widely
distributed around the world. Some of them are grown in
domestic flower beds, as flax is one of the few truly
blue flowers. (Most "blue" flowers are really a shade of
purple.)
Under the dwindling Cronquist system of
classifying the flowering plants, flax and related
plants were placed in an order Linales. Modern
classifications place them in the order
Malpighiales. In addition to the plant itself, flax
may refer to the unspun fibers of the flax
plant.
Usage of Flax
Flax, or Linum
usitatissimum, is grown both for seed and for
fiber.
Flax seed
The seeds produce flaxseed
oil. After processing by solvent extraction, flaxseed
oil is called linseed oil, which is one of the oldest
commercial oils and has been used for centuries as a
drying oil in painting and varnishing. The use of flax
seed and flaxseed oil (which is the most concentrated
source of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid) as a
nutritional supplement is increasing.
Flax seed
Consuming
One to two tablespoons of ground flax
seeds (from a coffee or spice grinder) or one teaspoon
of fresh flaxseed oil daily is a possible alternative to
oily fish or fish oil supplements (also high in omega-3
fatty acids) for vegetarians/vegans, and for those who
are concerned about high levels of heavy metals (such as
mercury) in fish. One tablespoon of ground flax seeds
and three tablespoons of water makes an excellent
replacement for one egg in baking by binding the other
ingredients together, and ground flax seeds can also be
mixed in with oatmeal, yogurt, water (similar to
Metamucil), or any other food item where a nutty flavor
is appropriate. Flaxseed oil is most commonly consumed
with salads or in capsules. The health benefits of
ground flax seed are also due to the lignans and dietary
fiber it contains, in addition to omega-3 fatty
acids.
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