Health is hidden in small seeds
Flax is a one year or two-year herbaceous plant. Linen fabric is made from a spindle-shaped fiber of the flax stem from the genus Linum usitatissimum. It is cultivated in the regions of moderate climate, mostly in Europe. It's a common plant, widespread from the plains to the alpine areas. It's self-sown and grows in fields, on the side of roads, edges of forests and it is cultivated in the fertile grounds in moderate climates because it needs a lot of water. Flax is mowed or yanked out of the ground, while the seed is removed by straining the straw. The seed loses its seeding potential and becomes poisonous when stored long and in a improper way. Flax is cultivated in large quantities for its seed in Argentina, Ukraine, France, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Russia, India, China, Canada and the US. Russia is the largest producer of linens with a 70% market stake.
An important plant since prehistory
Flax was once an important plant for the textile industry but now it comes second after cotton. Linen fibers are extremely durable, strong and stretchy. They are used to make linens textile, thread, canvas, quality paper, materials for insulation. Origin of flax is not very clear because it has been known as a cultivated plan since prehistory. Ancient Egyptians wore clothes made out linen, wrapped mummies into linen, and paintings of flax plants can be seen on the walls of the tombs. The ancient Greek imported flax a long time before Christianity.
Precious flaxseed oil
Flax seeds are one of the most important dry oils. Compressing mature seeds produces heavy oil. There is data that flax was used for those purposes even 6000 ago. The content of oil in the seed is from 32% to 43%. Flaxseed oil is mostly used for making paint, varnish, lacquer, printing ink and some pharmaceuticals.
Modern synthetic flooring is made out of plastic polymers. Even today many of them are made out of flax seeds. The dregs left after the oil straining are used as feed rich in protein. Along being the best source of Omega 3 fats, flaxseed oil is a good source of omega 6 fats also known as linoleic acid.
Beneficial seeds
Flax seed contain omega 3 fats, fibers, proteins and other nutritive value. It's an excellent alternative for people that avoid gluten in grain and as an alternate source of omega 3 for people who don't eat fish. Flaxseeds have a nice taste and can be used as a salad topping adding healthy fats to the meal. They can also be added on bread, buns and in smoothies.
You can get whole flax sees but it's best to grind the right before consummation. If you are using flaxseed oil, remember to store it in a dark cold place and use it in cooking on lower temperature to conserve its nutritional value.
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