Linseed oil
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil or flax oil (Latin: Linum usitatissimum), is a colourless to yellowish oil obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). The oil is obtained by pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction.
Pronunciation
Linseed Oil: /ˈlɪnˌsiːd ˈɔɪl/
Etymology
The term "linseed oil" is derived from the Latin Linum usitatissimum. Linum is the genus name for flax, and usitatissimum means "most useful".
Related Terms
- Flax: A member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is a food and fiber crop cultivated in cooler regions of the world.
- Oil: Any neutral, nonpolar chemical substance that is a viscous liquid at ambient temperatures and is both hydrophobic (does not mix with water, literally "water fearing") and lipophilic (mixes with other oils, literally "fat loving").
- Solvent extraction: A method to separate a compound into its parts based on the solubility of its parts.
- Seed: A mature fertilized plant ovule, consisting of an embryo and its food source and having a protective coat or testa.
Uses
Linseed oil is an edible oil in demand as a nutritional supplement, as it is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (a form of omega-3 fatty acids). It is also used in wood finishes, paints, linoleum, and other applications that require a hardening oil.
Health Effects
Linseed oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is a precursor to the inflammatory-resolving eicosanoids, so it is considered an anti-inflammatory fat. It has been studied for its potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Linseed oil
- Wikipedia's article - Linseed oil
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