The terms ‘’flaxseed’’ and ‘’linseed’’ are thrown around quite often on TV shows, commercials and even in health food stores. Many people are confused about these two terms and wonder if there is any difference. Let's find the answer together.

Is Flaxseed the Same As Linseed?

Yes, they are the same thing. Flaxseed and linseed are just different names by which the same seed is referred to. Flaxseed (linseed) is one of the oldest crops grown on the planet with references dating back to ancient Mesopotamian times. 

This plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall with attractive light-blue colored flowers. The primary reason for its popularity in ancient times was the fact that this crop could be cultivated in a wide variety of weather conditions.

The flax fruit pod is round in shape and dry in texture. It is around 6-9 mm in diameter and filled with several brown/golden yellow seeds. These seeds are called flaxseed or linseed, and are flat in shape, glossy and smooth to touch.

There are two major kinds of flax. One is grown primarily for the oil seeds and the other for fiber. Seeds of both the varieties have similar nutritional value and an equally amount of omega-3 fatty acid content. So next time anyone asks you, "Is flaxseed the same as linseed?" you can tell him or her the answer!

Nutrition Facts of Flaxseed/Linseed

Category	Amount
Energy	54.7 kcal (DV = 3%)
Sugars	0.2 g
Fat	4.3 g (DV = 7%)
Monounsaturated fat	0.8 g
Protein	1.9 g (DV = 4%)
Vitamin B5	0.1 mg (DV = 1%)
Folate	8.9 mcg (DV = 2%)
Calcium	26.1 mg (DV = 3%)
Magnesium	40.2 mg (DV = 10%)
Potassium	83.3 mg (DV = 2%)
Carbohydrates	3.0 g (DV = 1%)
Dietary fiber	2.8 g (DV = 11%)
Saturated fat	0.4 g (DV = 2%)
Polyunsaturated fat	2.9 g
Vitamin B1	0.2 mg (DV = 11%)
Vitamin B3	0.3 mg (DV = 2%)
Iron	0.6 mg (DV = 3%)
Phosphorus	65.8 mg (DV = 7%)
Zinc	0.4 mg (DV = 3%)

Health Benefits of Flaxseed/Linseed

1.    It Is High in Fiber

Is flaxseed the same as linseed when it comes to fiber content? Yes, it is. Flax seeds are rich in mucilage gum. This mucilage is a water soluble fiber that has immense benefits on the intestinal tract. It helps the foods stay in the stomach longer and allows the body to have enough time to extract all the necessary nutrients from the foods you consumed. 

The high fiber content in flax also helps stabilize the blood sugar levels, promotes weight loss and aids digestion.

2.    It Helps Keep the Skin and Hair Healthy

Adding 2 tablespoons of flax seeds or 1 tablespoon flax seed oil to your everyday routine can work wonders for your skin and hair. These seeds help provide essential fats and vitamins which directly help in fighting dryness, flaky skin, eczema, acne and even dry eyes.

The flax seed oil can also be used as a natural moisturizer after being mixed with some natural oils.

3.   It Can Aid in Weight Loss

The Journal of Nutrition found that flaxseeds play an important role in fighting obesity and weight loss. The healthy fats they contain help make people feel full for longer period, fight hunger pangs and reduce sugar cravings.

4.    It Helps Lower Cholesterol

Including flaxseeds into your diet can decrease cholesterol levels of the body. The soluble contents in flaxseeds are important in helping trap fat, bile, and cholesterol, thus reducing their levels in the blood.

Bile, which is made from cholesterol, is essential in digestion. After being trapped, the body will be forced to make more of it by using up the cholesterol in the body, which helps lower cholesterol levels in the body.

5.    It Is Gluten-Free

Most grains contain gluten and can cause inflammation in the body. Flaxseed, on the other hand, is gluten-free and so it is an excellent option for someone who is gluten-sensitive or is suffering from celiac disease.

6.    It Is Rich in Antioxidants

Flaxseeds are also very rich in antioxidants, specifically referred to as lignans. These molecules are believed to have anti-ageing property and help protect the cells from oxidative stress, maintain hormone balance and work for the overall health of the body at the cellular level.

Lignans also provide an immunity boost to the body by virtue of their antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Is flaxseed the same as linseed in its lignans content? Yes, it is.

7.    It Helps Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

The lignans found in flaxseeds are also of great benefits to menopausal women. They have certain estrogenic properties that help reduce the postmenopausal symptoms and can be used as an alternative to hormonal replacement.

1-2 tablespoons of flax seed are recommended to be added to the regular breakfast to see the hormonal benefits in women.

Precautions of Consuming Flaxseeds/Linseed

Here are some precautions to keep in mind while consuming them.

• In small quantities, these seeds have absolutely no side effects; however, when consumed in large quantities they may be associated with diarrhea, stomach bloating, and pain in the stomach.
• They also have certain estrogenic properties and should not be consumed in large quantities by pregnant women.