When Dr. Johanna Budwig developed the Budwig Diet, the flaxseed oil available to her was simply cold-pressed and unfiltered.
More than just omega-3
Traditional oil-making methods preserve more than just omega-3. They also retain naturally occurring antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds. The less you process the oil, the more certain you can be that it retains all its natural goodness
In completely unfiltered, artisan-produced oil, you may sometimes see tiny seed particles. This is perfectly normal and is a good sign that the oil is unrefined and made using simple production methods.
High Lignan Flaxseed Oil
When flaxseed (linseed) oil is produced, the seeds are crushed and small fragments of the seed husk are pressed out with the oil. Most producers allow these coarser particles to settle out before bottling, but some people prefer an oil that still contains them. This is commonly known as high lignan flaxseed oil.
High lignan flaxseed oil is a more wholefood version of the oil, similar to wholemeal bread or peanut butter with the skins left on.
What Matters Most
The most important factor is that the oil is produced correctly. High-quality flaxseed oil should be:
- Made from good-quality flaxseed
- Cold-pressed (never hot-pressed or solvent extracted)
- 100% pure
- Unrefined and unpurified
- Minimally processed
- Fresh, with careful storage and handling
Over-Processed Oil
You may be surprised to learn that some manufacturers refine mass-produced flaxseed oil by adding filter aids and, in some cases, other processing chemicals. These extra processing steps can affect the flavour of the oil and damage its delicate omega-3 fatty acids. They can also reduce some naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, including vitamin E.
High Lignan Flaxseed Oil
When flaxseed (linseed) oil is produced, the seeds are crushed and small fragments of the seed husk are pressed out with the oil. Most producers allow these coarser particles to settle out before bottling, but some people prefer an oil that still contains them. This is commonly known as high lignan flaxseed oil. High lignan flaxseed oil is a more wholefood version of the oil, similar to wholemeal bread or peanut butter with the skins left on.