Flax or Linseed? They’re Exactly the Same Plant
Linum usitatissimum – The “Most Useful” Plant
The botanical name for flax is Linum usitatissimum.
The word Linum is Latin for flax and is the origin of the word linen, reflecting the plant’s long history as a source of fibre for clothing, textiles, rope and cord. The species name usitatissimum means “most useful”—a fitting description for a plant that has provided food, oil, fibre and medicine for thousands of years.
Few plants have been as versatile or as valuable throughout history.
Flax or Linseed – Which Is Correct?
The answer is simple: both.
Flax and linseed are exactly the same plant (Linum usitatissimum). The difference is simply the name.
Historically, flax referred to the plant grown for its strong fibres, which were used to make linen, rope and textiles. In Britain, the edible seeds became known as linseed, while in North America and many other countries they are more commonly called flaxseed.
Today the names are used interchangeably. Whether the packet says flaxseed or linseed, you are buying the same seeds with the same nutritional properties.
Flaxseed – The Cornerstone of the Budwig Diet
Fresh Cold-Pressed Flaxseed Oil
Freshly cold-pressed flaxseed oil is the cornerstone of the Budwig Diet.
Dr Johanna Budwig regarded fresh flaxseed oil as the diet’s most important food. She believed its naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids were essential for supporting healthy cell function and restoring normal cellular activity.
For this reason, the Budwig Diet specifies fresh, cold-pressed flaxseed oil. Refined, heat-treated and processed oils are not considered compatible with the diet.
Omega-3
Flaxseed oil is one of nature’s richest sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the essential omega-3 fatty acid that the body cannot produce and must obtain from food.
Omega-3 fats are essential for the normal structure and function of every cell membrane in the body. Modern Western diets are typically much higher in omega-6 than omega-3, and the Budwig Diet aims to help restore a healthier balance between the two.
Flaxseed – A Remarkable Natural Food
Rich in Soluble and Insoluble Fibre
Freshly ground flaxseed is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.
Its fibre supports regular digestion, acts as a prebiotic by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, and helps slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This can help promote steadier blood sugar levels after meals without sugar spikes.
For this reason, freshly ground flaxseed is added to meals that contain foods such as fruit and honey in Budwig Muesli.
Naturally Low in Sugar and Starch
Ground flaxseed contains very little digestible carbohydrate and is naturally low in sugar and starch.
Its low glycaemic impact makes it an excellent food for people wishing to maintain healthy blood sugar and steady energy levels.
Rich in Protein
Flaxseed is also an excellent source of plant protein, providing a wide range of essential amino acids, including tryptophan, which the body uses to produce serotonin and other important compounds.