Flaxseed Oil Uses Across Industries

Flaxseed, also known as linseed or flax oil, hails from the Northern Great Plains of North America as a flowering blue perennial. Flaxseed grain has been consumed since at least 5000 BCE and is one of the first crops farmed by humankind. Because flaxseed oil is one of nature’s most abundant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (60% by volume), it has been recently escalated as a prime ingredient in many products for health-conscious individuals. However, flaxseed oil is used in more than health products. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem wishes to share more information about this important oil. 

Cosmetic Industry 

Flaxseed oil’s abundance of essential alpha-linoleic fatty acids moisturize your skin and hair as they hydrate. The collagen-boosting properties of flaxseed oil moisturize skin, reduce signs of aging, and strengthen cellular connections, thereby diminishing the deep contours of wrinkles. Flaxseed oil’s lignans are considered anti-carcinogenic and have been proven to counter the effects of sun damage and lighten freckles and age spots. The anti-inflammatory response of flaxseed oil allays skin irritants due to allergic reactions or other edematic responses. In haircare products, the vitamin E within flaxseed oil stimulates new hair growth and quells dandruff. 

Food Industry

Chefs find the versatility of flaxseed oil complementary to salads as well as roasted meats. Adding a small amount in a healthy smoothie boosts the body’s exposure to Omega-3 fatty acids. In many instances where butter is used as a condiment, flaxseed oil would prove a much healthier choice. However, because flaxseed oil has a high smoke point, it should not be used for sauteing.

Manufacturing

Flaxseed oil (often referred to linseed oil for the manufacturing industry) was the primary component for protective coatings in the automotive industry until World War I. It is currently utilized as a drying oil ingredient in enamels, lacquers, paints, and varnishes. 

Flooring

The ubiquitous linoleum (linum is Latin for “flax” while oleum is Latin for “oil”) flooring in many offices and homes contains solidified linseed oil (generally as 30% of the product) as its base. Even better, linoleum is biodegradable and completely breaks down in approximately 2 years after it is discarded. Tweaking the formulation slightly, linseed oil is also found in tarps, tents, patent leather products, oilcloth, fine oil paints, and printing inks.

Environmentally-friendly Products

Many petroleum-based chemicals can be replaced with linseed oil, which decreases the carbon footprint of these products tremendously. 

Construction

Linseed oil naturally preserves exposed concrete surfaces to deter the penetration of water and its accompanying salts. This delays the passage of water to the underlying reinforcing steel to prevent rust or corrosion.

Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.