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Flax Seeds

Binomial Name(s): Linum Usitatissimum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Linales
Family: Linaceae
Genus: Linum L.
Species: Linum usitatissimum L.
Popular Name(s): Linsed
Parts Used: Flax Seeds, Flax Seed Oil, leaves & roots
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India

Description
Flax seeds, as the name suggests, are the seeds of flax plant, which is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. They are known for producing a vegetable oil known as linseed oil or flaxseed oil. It is one of the oldest commercial oils. In fact, the solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used as a drying oil in painting and varnishing, for centuries. Flax seeds are edible and suitable for human consumption. They are also one of the most concentrated plant sources of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. These seeds come in two basic varieties - brown and yellow.

Plant Chemicals
Flax contains fat, protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, moisture, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans and ash. The chemical composition of flax can vary, owing to certain factors such as genetics, growing environment and seed processing. As the oil content increases, the protein content of the seed decreases.

Uses & Benefits of Flax Seeds
Caution