Linseed

What makes our Naturland organic linseeds so special is their high content of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. It also contains valuable mucilage. These mucilaginous substances, which are found in the seed coats of linseed, act as a kind of swelling agent. When combined with water, they swell and stimulate digestion in a natural way. Because of this effect, flaxseed is used as a herbal remedy for constipation - similar to ground psyllium husks. Another superpower of linseed is its high content of water-soluble fibre.

We source our Naturland linseeds from regional organic farms in Germany. It is ideal as an ingredient in muesli or salads. Linseed can also be used in bread and bakery products. Please make sure you drink plenty of liquid when eating linseed.

Important omega-3 fatty acids

Dietary habits in western countries have changed over the last century. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet has shifted from around 3:1 originally to almost 20:1 today. This is due, among other things, to the regular consumption of convenience foods or an unbalanced diet. The food industry often uses refined edible oils and fats in the production of food. Margarine and hydrogenated fats are used in their preparation, which leads to a long-term increase in omega-6 fatty acids in the body.

The balance between the two fatty acids has a crucial influence on the function and metabolism of cells in the human body. Omega-6 fatty acids are thought to promote inflammation, while omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Both modes of action are essential for the body, but the right balance is important for long-term health. Organic flaxseed and organic flaxseed oil are ideal for restoring the right balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Linseed should only be ground shortly before consumption

The flax plant, also known as linseed, is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been grown for thousands of years. Flax, recognisable by its blue flowers, is an annual plant. Traditionally, flax has also played an important role in our culture, as evidenced by the fact that many expressions relating to flax or flax processing have found their way into our everyday language: Whether we are talking about 'flaxing around', 'losing the thread' or 'taking a trip into the blue', the origin of all these terms lies in the laborious process of turning the flax stalks into linen.

Flax has also been prized for its edible seeds for thousands of years: Linseed provides essential fatty acids and fibre. In the past, almost every village had its own oil mill and traders roamed the streets selling fresh oil. As the oil is extremely sensitive to heat and light, it quickly lost its importance with industrialisation. Linseed oil is too perishable for large-scale production and not durable enough to be traded over long distances. At the Ölmühle Solling, the precious oil is pressed fresh every day in small batches.

Crushed or uncrushed linseed

As soon as linseed is crushed or processed into oil, the oxidation process accelerates and the crushed seeds or linseed oil can quickly become rancid. Because of this rapid oxidation, it is important to ensure that linseed is only ground in a mill just before consumption. The hard shell is a good and important protection for the sensitive fatty acids. Always store ground linseed in the refrigerator, tightly closed and protected from oxygen. Linseed can also be made into linseed flour, which can be used for baking and in breakfast cereals. Linseed oil is also well known.

Carbon neutral and environmentally friendly packaging

We pack our unground organic linseed in CO2 neutral, sustainable bags. The bags are made from over 80% renewable resources and are aluminium free. A large proportion of the commonly used polymers are replaced by renewable raw materials, such as paper from sustainable forestry (FSC certified). The bags are manufactured in Europe under socially responsible conditions. The light-protected, environmentally friendly packaging can be resealed after initial opening and protects the flavour and quality of our linseed.

Alpha-linolenic acid for normal cholesterol levels

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already authorised the following health claims for ALA in the Health Claims Regulation It helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Just 2 teaspoons of linseed oil (3g each) provides the daily requirement of 2g of ALA for an adult. Care should be taken to ensure a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.