Flax oil is worth getting excited over. Aside from hemp oil, it is considered the most nutritious of all the oils in the world, containing generous amounts of the two essential fatty acids our body needs to function properly.

Archaeological digs have discovered that flax was being cultivated in Babylon as far back as 5,000 BC. The healing properties of flax are described in Greek and Roman writings dating back to 650 BC. In Europe, flax has been cultivated for hundreds of years. These tiny brown seeds were used for their nutritional and medical qualities in humans and livestock.

Flax seeds come equipped with a tough outer coat. This casing protects the delicate oils within. If you were to eat flax seeds whole, it would be impossible for your body to receive any of the nutrients. In fact, even after the seeds pass through the digestive system, they can sprout and grow. Only through grinding them fresh or in cold-pressing, can we receive the wealth of nutrients hidden inside. Flax oil is the highest source of unsaturated alpha linolenic. Most people;s diets are lacking in this essential oil. Flax oil also contains carotene and vitamin E, which are valuable antioxidants.

It is crucial to purchase flax oil which has been cold-pressed without the presence of oxygen or light. The oil must be stored in an opaque bottle in the refrigerator or freezer. Check the date on the bottle. A sealed, refrigerated bottle has a shelf-life of four months or one year in the freezer. Once the bottle is opened, it should be consumed within two weeks. It is a more expensive oil but priceless in its nutritional value and contribution to health. We have used flax oil in many of our dressings because of its mild nutty flavor. We believe it is worth every penny.

A TIP: If you have something caught in your eye, place a flax seed on a moist cue tip, positioning it under the upper eyelid that will help reduce the pain and lubricate the object allowing it to move into the corner of where it can be removed.