Flax

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Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an ancient crop cultivated primarily for its seeds and fibers. The flax seeds are small, flat, and oval, ranging from golden yellow to brown in color, and are rich in nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid), lignans, dietary fiber, proteins, and vitamins. Flax fibers are derived from the stem and used in textile and industrial applications. Flaxseed oil, extracted from the seeds, is highly valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Flax is utilized across food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors due to its multifunctional health benefits, fiber content, and sustainable nature.

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Category: Nutraceutical Ingredients (food) Tags: Flax, Flax Oil, Flaxseed, Linseed, Nutritional supplement, Omega-3 Source, Superfood

Description

Table of Contents

Flax

Primary Uses

Food Industry

Used as a nutritional supplement and ingredient in baked goods, cereals, smoothies, and snacks for its high fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein content.
Ground flaxseed (flax meal) is widely added to bread, muffins, and cereals to enhance nutritional profiles and provide dietary fiber.
Flaxseed oil is used as a culinary oil, salad dressing, and nutritional supplement, prized for its omega-3 fatty acids.
Acts as a natural egg substitute (flax egg) in vegan and allergen-free baking.
Incorporated in functional foods targeting cardiovascular health, digestive wellness, and weight management.

Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements

Formulated in capsules, oils, and powders to promote heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure.
Used for hormonal balance support due to its phytoestrogenic lignans.
Supports digestive health by promoting regularity through high soluble and insoluble fiber content.
Exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for chronic disease prevention.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Flaxseed oil is incorporated into skin and hair care products as a natural moisturizer, emollient, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Used in formulations to improve skin barrier function, reduce dryness, and soothe irritation.
Flax-derived compounds are employed in anti-aging and acne care products due to their antioxidant effects.
Applied in hair conditioners and serums to enhance hair strength and shine.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Investigated for therapeutic effects in cardiovascular disease, diabetes management, and certain cancers.
Used as a source of bioactive lignans and omega-3 fatty acids in formulations targeting metabolic health.
Employed in wound healing and anti-inflammatory preparations.

Textile and Industrial Applications

Flax fibers are used extensively in the production of linen textiles, ropes, composites, and eco-friendly packaging materials.
Applied in biodegradable and sustainable composite materials for automotive and construction industries.

Secondary Uses

Animal Feed

Flaxseed meal is used as a high-protein, high-fiber feed additive for poultry, cattle, and aquaculture, enhancing omega-3 content in animal products.

Biomedical Research

Studied for its lignans and omega-3s in anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory research.
Investigated as a scaffold material in tissue engineering due to flax fiber properties.

Environmental Applications

Flax straw and fiber used in erosion control mats and biodegradable geotextiles.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum
Common/Trade Name: Flax, Flaxseed, Linseed
CAS Number: 8001-26-1 (for flaxseed oil)
HS Code: 1204.00 (Flaxseed) / 1512.11 (Flaxseed oil)
Molecular Formula: Variable depending on component (e.g., C18H30O2 for alpha-linolenic acid)
Synonyms: Linseed, Common flax, Brown flax, Golden flax, Linum

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Seeds (small, flat, oval); oil (yellow to amber liquid); fibers (long, slender)
Color & Odor: Seeds vary from golden yellow to brown; oil is golden-yellow with mild nutty odor
Solubility: Oil soluble in organic solvents; seeds rich in soluble and insoluble fiber
Melting Point: Flaxseed oil solidifies at ~-20 °C
Stability: Oil sensitive to oxidation; best stored in cool, dark conditions
Nutrient Content: High in alpha-linolenic acid (~50-60%), dietary fiber, protein, lignans

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not hazardous; generally recognized as safe (GRAS)
Toxicity: Low; safe for food and topical use
Allergies: Rare but possible sensitivity to flax or linseed products

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store seeds and oil in cool, dry, dark environments to prevent rancidity and microbial growth
Container Type: Food-grade bags or bottles with oxygen barrier
Shelf Life: Seeds up to 12 months; oil 6-12 months when refrigerated
Handling Precautions: Avoid moisture and heat to preserve quality

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Approved as a food ingredient and supplement by FDA, EFSA, and other authorities
Complies with food safety and organic certification standards where applicable
Labeling regulations apply for allergen and omega-3 content claims

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
Health Benefits: Cardiovascular support, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hormonal balance

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Gloves recommended for large-scale handling; dust mask if handling ground flax powder
Handling Guidelines: Minimize dust exposure; handle in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures: Avoid moisture and prolonged heat exposure
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; avoid ingestion of raw seed powder in large quantities

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes if exposed; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Generally safe; excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Flammable solid (seeds and fibers) and liquid (oil); oil vapors may be combustible
Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray
Special Precautions: Use protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if exposed to smoke
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and other combustion byproducts