Dec 11, 2017 #FlaxFAQ: Is there a difference between flaxseed and flaxseed oil?

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Q. Is there a difference between flaxseed and flaxseed oil?
A: Yes. Flaxseed oil is the purified fat that results from the cold-pressing of flaxseeds. Because it is the fat portion of the seed, it contains high levels of omega-3 ALA (55-58 percent on a per weight basis in comparison to 18-23 percent from whole or milled seed). Flaxseed oil doesn't have the fibre and protein found in the rest of the seed. Some flaxseed oil manufacturers do “add” back in the lignans – check the label for these products. If the label doesn’t identify lignans, they are not present.