“It is crucial to purchase flax oil which has been cold-pressed without the presence of oxygen or light.”
Flax oil is worth getting excited over. Remember, we are getting far more omega 6 in our diets than omega 3, which is causing all kinds of health problems. Here's a great oil that can tip the scales. Flax oil is the highest vegetable source of important omega 3 (LNA), making it a vital addition to our daily diet. Most people’s diets are lacking in this essential oil. Aside from hemp oil, it is considered to be the most nutritious of all the oils in the world. Flax oil also contains carotene and vitamin E, which are valuable antioxidants.
Archaeological digs have discovered that flax was being cultivated in Babylon as far back as 5,000 BC. The healing properties of flax are described in Greek and Roman writings dating back to 650 BC. In Europe, flax has been cultivated for hundreds of years. These tiny brown seeds were used for their nutritional and medical qualities in humans and livestock.
Flax seeds come equipped with a tough outer coat. This casing protects the delicate oils within. If you were to eat flax seeds whole, it would be impossible for your body to receive any of the nutrients. In fact, even after the seeds pass through the digestive system, they can sprout and grow. Only through grinding them fresh or in cold-pressing, can we receive the wealth of nutrients hidden inside.
We have used flax oil in many of our dressings (in our recipe book, Whole Foods and Healing Recipes) because of its mild nutty flavor. When fasting, I mix a tablespoon of flax in my veggie juice.
It is crucial to purchase flax oil which has been cold-pressed without the presence of oxygen or light. The oil must be stored in an opaque bottle in the refrigerator or freezer. Check the date on the bottle. A sealed, refrigerated bottle has a shelf-life of four months or one year in the freezer. Once the bottle is opened, it should be consumed within two weeks. Don’t worry about whether flax is fresh— taste will tell you everything. If it resembles paint thinner in smell or flavor, throw it away.
It is a more expensive oil but priceless in its nutritional value and contribution to health. We have used flax oil in many of our dressings because of its mild nutty flavor. We believe it is worth every penny.
Related Articles: Healthy Salad Dressings