The answer is easy – Nothing. There is no difference between the two. Well, other than the label of course. Manufactures of both flax oil and flaxseed oil simply decide what to put on the bottle, that’s all. Flax oil is Flaxseed Oil. They come from the flax seed. The seed is cold-pressed to extrapolate the oil within and then packaged and sent to stores. It is sold as regular or sometimes organic. Organic just means that no chemicals were used in growing the plant. Both organic and regularly grown flax is healthy and great for you.
So What is Flax?
As stated above, Flax is a seed. It comes from a flowering plant in the United States and Canada. It is full of Omega-3 fatty acids. It has other health benefits like being high in fiber and other antioxidants as well. It can be bought at the local grocery store or health food market.
What is the Oil Used For?
The oil from the flaxseed can be used as a supplement either by taking in a gel-like capsule or by liquid. Mixing up your favorite morning drink with a little flaxseed oil is touted as beneficial to your health. The latest research finds that the Omega-3 in flax is equivalent to fish oil, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds; although flax is considered high in ALA (an acid that is essential to our health) and fish oil is high in DHA and EPA (acids that our bodies make from ALA).
Flax is also chock full of phytoestrogens – a plant based form of estrogen thought to alleviate menopausal symptoms. If fish, the best source of Omega-3, is not in your diet than this is the next best thing. Omega-3 is thought to reduce inflammation, strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, and help with cancer treatment. A high fiber diet keeps the insides of bodies running smooth and the antioxidants make the outside look great.
How Long Does Flaxseed Oil Keep?
Flaxseed themselves, if not ground but left whole, will last a year in packaging. Ground flaxseed should be stored in the freezer and can be stored for about ninety days. The oil needs to be refrigerated. But it will generally last for up to four months or so.
