There are few differences between regular and golden flax seed.
Brown flax seed and golden flax seed are two separate varieties of flax that can be used for medicinal purposes. While both of them have similar characteristics, there are some notable differences. Golden flax seed is more palatable, while regular or brown flax seed is used more for industrial creation of flax seed oil.
History
Flax seeds have been used for thousands of years for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The ancient Egyptians were using flax seeds as early as 5,000 B.C. for the creation of linen, a cloth made from the plant, as well as a laxative. Flax production even had its own overseer for the king, according to ancient Egyptian texts. Early American settlers grew flax for linen and its oil, which has many uses, including as a preservative for finished wood. Today, it is almost exclusively grown in the state of North Dakota, according to the Jefferson Institute.
Benefits
Both brown and golden flax seeds are rich in linolenic acid, an antioxidant, and are a healthy source of fiber. According to the University of Maryland Medical center, flaxseed and flaxseed oil can help heart disease, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Types
There are two types of flax seeds that are used in making flax seed oil. Regular or brown flax seed is most commonly used commercially in the creation of flax seed oil and in limited use in cooking. Golden flax seeds are used primarily for baking. Golden flax seed is known for its nutty and buttery flavor.
Effects
When it comes to nutritional composition, both brown and golden flax seeds are similar. Commercially grown brown flax seeds used for oil of less quality than the golden flax seeds that are sold for human consumption.
Warning
While flax seed oil can be used for medicinal purposes, it has also been shown to create an increased risk of prostate cancer due to the high concentrations of linolenic acid, according to HealthCastle.com. This is not a risk if the seeds of the brown or golden flax plant are used instead of the oil.
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