Flax seed

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About Flax seed
Wikipedia Article About Flax seed on Wikipedia

The seeds produce a vegetable oil known as linseed oil or flaxseed oil. It is one of the oldest commercial oils and solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used for centuries as a drying oil in painting and varnishing. The seeds are edible, and cold pressed linseed oil is suitable for human consumption; it is one of the most concentrated plant sources of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, and its use as a nutritional supplement is increasing. Brown and yellow flax have equal amounts of omega-3 except for a type of yellow flax called solin which is very low in omega-3 and has a completely different oil profile.

Though the most universal function of flax seed is to produce linseed oil (commonly used in paints, varnishes, linoleums and inks), this tiny seed contains several essential nutrients including calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorous and vitamin E. It's also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It has a mild nutty flavor and is often used simply sprinkled over hot dishes such as cooked cereal or stir-fries.