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How do I Choose the Best Organic Flaxseed Oil?

Synthia L. Rose
Synthia L. Rose

The best organic flaxseed oil choice is refrigerated for its entire life span, has added lignans, and is processed without chemicals. Delicate and likely to spoil easily, flaxseed oil requires careful, low-temperature transport, storage and processing to preserve its nutrients. The shelf life of flaxseed oil is shorter than most oils, lasting roughly three months unopened. Once opened, it can be used for six weeks without spoiling.

Organic flaxseed oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients needed for optimum functioning of the brain. Vegetarians particularly like flaxseed oil because it offers a vegan alternative to fish oils, which are the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids for many people. Also known as linseed oil, flaxseed oil is made from seeds of the flax plant.

Flaxseed.
Flaxseed.

Beyond brain benefits, organic flaxseed oil has also been credited by some researchers with the ability to prevent or mitigate heart disease, osteoporosis, and various cancers. The healing power of flaxseed oil comes primarily from lignans, which are protective nutrients found in the fiber of flaxseeds. Research suggests that lignans can suppress prostate cancer, endometriosis, and breast cancer in some patients. Many oils are filtered, however, and do not retain significant lignans from the flaxseeds. The best choice, according to some nutritionists, is organic flaxseed oil, which specifically says on the label that lignans have been added.

The flowers of a flax plant.
The flowers of a flax plant.

Some companies use hexane, a chemical solvent, to extract flaxseed oil from seeds. Many consumers, however, are allergic to hexane or choose to use foods without traces of chemicals. Cold-pressing and expeller-pressing, both of which extract oils without chemicals at low temperatures to preserve quality and prevent spoiling, are seen by many as the two best methods of processing organic flaxseed oil.

Organic flaxseed oil and flax seeds.
Organic flaxseed oil and flax seeds.

Spoiled organic flaxseed oil is often difficult to detect. It may or may not have a telltale odor or taste. The effects of imbibing spoiled oil regularly, however, are significant. Some researchers suggest that the free radicals in the spoiled oil can encourage cancer, defeating the original cancer-fighting properties of flaxseed. This is why it is best, according to some nutritionists, to choose refrigerated oil as opposed to oil sitting on a room-temperature shelf in a store.

Consumers ordering online often consider a company that will agree to ship the organic flaxseed oil on dry ice in a refrigerated container. Other consumers choose to simply have the oil shipped during winter months only. Upon receipt, the flaxseed oil is generally placed in the refrigerator, only removed briefly to be used, and then put back.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

Some people don't like the taste of flaxseed oil, but it is worth taking because it is very good for your health. The best solution for people who want to take flaxseed oil but don't like the taste is the organic varieties with added flavors.

Some stores, such as health food shops, carry organic flaxseed oils that have a variety of added flavors. Mint, lemon, and even cinnamon are available, and they are very easy to take.

Raynbow

I use organic flaxseed oil, and I have noticed that stores sell several varieties, some that are refrigerated and some that are not. It has been my experience that the flaxseed oil that is kept cold has the best flavor. I think it is also easier to take when it is cold.

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    • Flaxseed.
      By: Elenathewise
      Flaxseed.
    • The flowers of a flax plant.
      By: Marina Lohrbach
      The flowers of a flax plant.
    • Organic flaxseed oil and flax seeds.
      By: WimL
      Organic flaxseed oil and flax seeds.