Can I Fry in Flaxseed Oil?

The usefulness of vegetable oil is undeniable. Flax oil is a particularly valuable source of vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. It is used in cooking and cosmetology, is part of the folk recipes. It has its own peculiarities of consumption.

Characteristics of linseed oil

The product is produced from linseed by cold pressing. It belongs to the fast-drying substances, in prolonged contact with the air it forms a transparent solid film, so it is stored only in a closed dark glass container. The production technology is very interesting. Particular attention is paid to the freshness of raw materials. At the output you get a product with a slight bitterness and this is considered normal. But if you take rancid or stale seeds as a basis, then the result will be pitiable and can not be corrected.

Prepared seeds are sent to the press, then the mass is carried out through refining and quickly poured into containers without contact with the external environment. Most often, small bottles are chosen, as open oil spoils quickly and cannot be used further in food. Shelf life in a closed container is 1 year, open no more than 30 days.

The best quality product is considered to be the one obtained by cold pressing and crystallization at low temperatures. Such oil has a light color and no extraneous odors. It retains most of its useful substances. The cost of production and the finished product is high. But if you consider that a day is recommended no more than 2-3 tablespoons of flax oil to saturate the body with Omega acids and vitamins, the price is quite consistent with the quality.

Interesting: Raw materials from northern areas contain more unsaturated fatty acids than those from the south.

The composition of flax oil

Regular use of flaxseed oil can restore the balance in the work of internal organs and eliminate mineral deficiencies. Its composition includes:

• polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• vitamins A, E, C, K, F, B;
• phytosterols;
• choline;
• phosphorus;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• phospholipids;
• lignans.

The product has a high caloric value, which is equal to 884 kcal.

Product features

The finished product is unstable in its pure composition without stabilizers and preservatives. The oil is protected from air and sunlight and kept in a cool, dark place in a closed container. A good quality oil is golden yellow in colour with a characteristic fresh smell and a touch of bitterness in taste. You can check the quality by putting a drop on your tongue and listening to the aftertaste. It should not be stinging, just a slight herbal tinge.

To buy a quality product, look at the label with the expiration date and the container itself. If it is transparent, it should be additionally packed in a box. It is convenient to compare the products of several manufacturers, find your brand and when buying stick to this choice.

Oil is used for dressing salads of fresh vegetables, as an additive in baked goods and as a medicinal agent. It must not be heated, because at high temperatures it produces carcinogens, and its useful substances are destroyed very quickly. When cooled, such oil turns into a sticky substance, which looks like olive oil and provokes digestive problems.

If there is a need, linseed oil can be prepared at home by grinding the seeds through a meat grinder or blender. Then you need to put the mass in gauze and hang it over a container, shaking it regularly and pressing it with your fingers. To speed up the process, use a homemade press weighing 1-2 kg. The finished product is stored only in the refrigerator and no longer than 1 month.

The useful properties of linseed oil

For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, it is better to buy unrefined product of cold extraction. It is stored for a short time, but its benefits are several times greater. Adding it to salads or a spoonful on an empty stomach helps:

• improve skin, nails, hair;
• Activate intestinal peristalsis;
• restore inner energy;
• Relieve the effects of stress and emotional outbursts;
• stabilize the nervous system;
• accelerate the breakdown of fats;
• Support hormonal balance during menopause;
• normalize the production of testosterone;
• quickly regain strength after physical activity;
• Accelerate the work of the brain;
• Reduce cholesterol.

Limitations on use

Very rarely, but individual intolerance of the product occurs. It will be necessary to reduce the daily rate of oil for those who suffer from kidney failure, with chronic low blood pressure, blood thinning, pancreatitis, gallstones and ducts. During pregnancy you should refrain from using the oil or consult a doctor before using, because the composition is high in phytoestrogens. It is worth remembering that the slightest disturbance of hormonal balance in the period of waiting for the baby leads to unpredictable consequences.

Cooking Applications

Oil is added to boiled potato dishes, porridges, vinaigrettes. It is mixed with sour cream, yogurt, honey, cottage cheese. On its basis are very tasty sauces with the addition of spicy herbs. Added to baked goods, linseed oil gives the finished products a sunny hue and a special delicate flavor. A mixture with sunflower or olive oil gives an interesting taste. All kinds and combinations are welcome, but only when cold.

Important: You can't fry in linseed oil.

There are several reasons for this, the most important being the rapid formation of carcinogens. Under the influence of heating, the initially useful and healing product undergoes a series of changes, turning into trans fats. They, like plasticine, envelop the inner surfaces of the intestine, forming a film that prevents the absorption of useful substances.

There will be no great harm, leading to disability, but trouble is guaranteed. These include impaired digestion and excretion of waste products, a feeling of heaviness and nausea. Trying to fry something with cold-pressed oil will lead to this result. When using a refined product such problems will not arise. But it should be taken into account that the benefits of it, too, are several times less.

Nevertheless, it is worth to leave the linseed oil for healing procedures and restoration of health, buying exactly the unrefined product. And you can cook any dish with olive oil or sunflower oil without the slightest harm to health.