Flax seed is a precious source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are essential nutrients that your body cannot make on its own and must be sourced from the diet. EFAs play an important role as building blocks for cells throughout the body and are especially important for your skin, brain, heart, and immune health. 10ml (2 tsp) of good quality flax oil provides 5g of omega-3. The omega-3 in flax oil is called alpha linolenic acid (ALA); once digested, ALA can be converted to other forms of omega-3, like the EPA and DHA found in fish oil.

Now for a bit of a humble brag – Flora pioneered the production of fresh flax oil in North America in 1985 and continues to set the standard.

Flora has been a proud purchaser of Canadian organic flaxseed for decades now. The oil is pressed from certified organic seeds, carefully selected for flavour and maturity. A unique, customized press combines tradition with high technology. The seeds are expeller pressed once to yield a few precious liters of oil per hour. A special atmosphere control system ensures that the pressing environment is low temperature, and oxygen and light-free because any of these factors will damage the fragile EFAs in the oil, making it detrimental to health. The oil is then bottled in nitrogen-flushed, dark amber bottles to preserve freshness.

The finished product is fresh, highly nutritious, and rich in EFAs, as opposed to most supermarket oils in which vital nutrients are destroyed during pressing. Even more, we’ve got you covered on the dietary restrictions front. Our flax oil is non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, and vegan.

Flax oil is best taken with food and there are many ways to incorporate it into the diet. Remember that omega-3s are fragile, and heat, light, and oxygen can damage them over time. Flax oil should never be used for cooking or frying foods but can be added to food just before heating. It should be refrigerated once it’s opened and generally used up within 8 weeks for optimal freshness. Add it to salads or smoothies. Drizzle it over pasta or rice and vegetable dishes. Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt. It generally has a slightly nutty taste with just a hint of bitterness at the end, which can vary a bit depending on the harvest that year. It’s an easy and economical way to get healthy omega-3s into your diet, especially if you who don’t eat fish often (or at all).

Lindsay Young, a holistic nutritionist and lover of food, created this Salted Chocolate & Berry Milkshake recipe, perfect for warm summer days – plus it has all the goodness that Flora Flax Oil provides.

Salted Chocolate & Berry Milkshake

Serves: 2
Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup chocolate ice cream (dairy or non-dairy based)
¼ cup plain coconut yoghurt
3 tbsp Flora Flax Oil
1 frozen banana, thawed slightly
¼ tsp sea salt
1 cup mixed berries
1 tbsp vanilla extract

METHOD:

1. Chill two glasses in the freezer while preparing everything
2. Prepare the berries by adding mixed berries and vanilla to a pot over medium heat. Cook until bubbling, then press with a fork to mash. Place this in the refrigerator to cool.
3. Add ice cream, yoghurt, flax oil, banana and sea salt to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and incorporated.
4. Spoon half the cooled berries to each chilled glass, then pour milkshake over top. Top with whipped cream and serve!

About the Author: Flora Health

A privately-owned nutraceutical manufacturer and distributor established in 1965, Flora is known for high quality whole food supplements, full-spectrum botanical extracts, unrefined seed oils, and liquid health tonics. In addition to its Flora brand, Flora also distributes Alaffia, Auromère, BiologicVET, Efamol, Gandalf, and Udo’s Choice.