What is the shelf life of flaxseed oil? How to properly store it? How to use? We will answer these and other questions in the article. This information will be useful to every housewife.
Flaxseed oil is a plant product that is obtained from flax seeds. Drying oil and varnish are prepared from it. It is also used for the production of linoleum and oil paints, which are used by artists and even in construction. Flaxseed oil has long been known for its use in folk medicine. Thanks to him, we never thought about diseases such as atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Compound
Flax contains the following acids: alpha-linoleic, oleic, and other substances. Flaxseed oil can be obtained from flax seeds by cold pressing. This is the product that is used for medicinal purposes. Flaxseed oil, depending on the degree of extraction and purification, ranges from golden to brown. It includes vitamins such as K, B, E, A, F, proteins, natural antioxidants, and tocopherols. Sesamol is a predominant antioxidant. It is because of this that linseed oil does not oxidize and is perfectly stored. It is saturated with phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium. Flaxseed oil is very high in a beneficial substance called Omega-3, much higher than in fish oil and other foods.
Know how to use
A fresh product that has been properly stored and not expired will be beneficial. To the question whether it is possible to cook with flaxseed oil, there is a clear answer - no. In the diet it is used only cold. You cannot heat or fry on it.
It is prohibited to heat or cook hot food with flaxseed oil. At high temperatures, substances dangerous to humans are produced: aldehydes, epoxides, carcinogens - fried foods on it are dangerous!
I will name the healthiest dishes with flaxseed oil and the best combinations. Dairy products come first:
- fermented baked milk;
- cottage cheese;
- curdled milk;
- yogurt;
- kefir.
Flax seed oil is used to season vegetable salads and is added to sauces and side dishes. It gives a special charm to porridge, pasta, legumes, and meat dishes. For weight loss, strengthening the walls of blood vessels, lowering cholesterol, treating colitis, gastritis, flax oil is taken in its pure form: before breakfast and dinner, 1 tbsp. l. half an hour before meals.
To speed up metabolism, nutritionists recommend using it with honey in a 1:1 ratio. To increase immunity and improve blood composition, make a nut dessert: take 1 tbsp. l. ground nuts + bran + oil. A flat cake is formed from this mixture, cottage cheese and fresh berries are laid out on it.
The permissible dose per day should not exceed three dessert spoons.
In cosmetology, flax oil is a popular product. Included in the basis of anti-aging masks, indispensable in hair care: eliminates dryness, nourishes roots, improves structure, reduces fragility and split ends. Used as compresses/wraps for cellulite and stretch marks.
If you don’t know where to use expired flaxseed oil, leave it for household needs. You can use it to wipe off hands stained with coniferous resin or paint, lubricate the soles of shoes and old leather goods.
Application
During sleep, the productivity of flaxseed oil absorption increases. Based on this, it should be used in food before bedtime. Polyunsaturated fats, which form its basis, increase the time of lipid burning and thus extra pounds cannot be deposited on the waist, hips and abdomen. If you use flaxseed oil with food, it is advisable to do this in the morning 20 minutes before meals and in the evenings after dinner, one teaspoon. However, over time, the intake is allowed to be increased to a tablespoon. In order to get results, you should not drink hot drinks at this time. Flaxseed oil is used in medicine and is also added to various dishes. Pharmaceutical companies are creating bioactive flaxseed products for topical use.
Flaxseed oil has essential and polyunsaturated phenols Omega 3 and Omega 6. The human body needs acids. The product is added when cooking and even drunk in the morning.
Types, properties and applications of the product
Like all vegetable oils, flaxseed is produced in refined and unrefined ways:
- The unrefined product is healthier for the body, since it is only cleared of debris that enters it from the seeds. All valuable substances remain unchanged.
- During refining, the oil is bleached, exposed to cold, high temperature, alkali, washed with water, and the odor is removed. It becomes neutral, so the range of its application expands significantly.
Note to the hostess
If you see flaxseed oil in a product, do not think that it is healthy. For its production, a refined substance was used, which has no beneficial properties. These products are used for the production of semi-finished products, baby food, baked goods, fats, spreads, as well as varnishes, paints, and floor coverings.
Many people do not like the taste of flaxseed oil product, which has a peanut flavor with a pleasant bitterness. For them, the pharmacy sells gelatin capsules, which have a number of advantages:
- easier to swallow, no taste;
- the contents do not interact with air;
- in capsules the product is only cold pressed;
- available for use anywhere.
Blisters with capsules are kept in a box and maintained at the recommended temperature.
Indications and contraindications for the use of flaxseed oil
As a cosmetic product, flaxseed essence is used to care for the face, hair, and hands. The skin becomes velvety and moisturized. Hair becomes stronger along its entire length, acquires shine and a well-groomed appearance.
In what container to buy and store flaxseed oil
This product should only be purchased in dark glass bottles or opaque containers. Plastic containers are definitely not worth using. It is very important to decide on containers for storing flaxseed oil. To do this, it is necessary that the bottle has a narrow neck. Because it will prevent air from getting inside. Also avoid using a metal container. After all, it oxidizes.
Shelf life of linseed oil after opening
Buy flaxseed oil in small quantities. After all, due to long-term storage, it deteriorates and goes rancid. The most suitable option is to buy about 0.5 liters. What is the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening? The standard time is about fourteen days.
Please note that you should not consume flaxseed oil after its expiration date. The most important requirement to remember is: never use flaxseed oil for frying food. During frying, it completely loses beneficial vitamins and acids. It is better to use it in drinks, baked goods, salads, and you can also take it in the morning before meals, one tablespoon. It is acceptable to dip black bread in it. You can also add oil to soups and porridges when the food has cooled.
How to choose wisely
Storage features affect the beneficial properties of the product. It is important to pay attention to the choice of product. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the following features:
- Consider the bottle capacity. It can be from 100 milliliters to 1 liter. For short-term use, it is better to choose a small volume.
- To prevent and treat pathologies of the digestive system, it is worth using oil in capsules.
- You should definitely study the information on the packaging. It is recommended to take into account the date of manufacture. The manufacturer is of no small importance. It is also worth paying attention to the shelf life.
- The presence of sediment at the bottom of the container does not always indicate poor quality. It is characteristic of cold-pressed oil. In this case, impurities should not affect the transparency and shade of the liquid.
- For consumption, you should choose a pure composition that does not contain any additives.
- Oil should be purchased from well-known manufacturers.
See also
How and where it is better to store vegetables at home, rules and choice of temperature
Best before date
What is the shelf life of flaxseed oil if it has not yet been opened? How long can I use the product after purchase? Please note that the shelf life of linseed oil from the date of manufacture is no more than one year. After this period, even if you have not used or opened the product, it must unfortunately be discarded.
As already mentioned, the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening the bottle is fourteen days. Therefore, it is very advisable to write the opening date with a marker. This is necessary in order to throw in the product after this period.
What is the shelf life of linseed oil after opening the bottle if it was stored in a dark and cool place? Here the situation is a little different. In this case, the period of use of the product after opening the package is up to five weeks.
Medicines and cosmetics made using this oil, as well as fish oil and vitamin E, are stored for the same amount of time.
If flaxseed oil has not expired, then in small doses it will contain a pleasant taste and smell. Note that this product stabilizes the digestive system and reduces the amount of toxins.
How to increase the shelf life of oil? There are secrets that will help optimize the shelf life after the expiration date of flaxseed oil for three weeks. To do this, you just need to add a little table salt to the bottle with the product. How much should the last one be? Add half a teaspoon of salt to a half-liter bottle of flaxseed oil.
Be able to choose
Flaxseed oil is sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. The packaging is made of plastic or glass, packing 250; 300; 500 ml. When purchasing a product, be sure to look for the manufacturing date. It is advisable that the shelf life does not expire in the near future.
If the date of manufacture and bottling is indicated, then the time difference should not be more than 5 days; ideally, the dates should coincide, since prepared oil, without sealed packaging, quickly loses its beneficial substances.
The color of high-quality oil is light brown with a green tint. The mass is transparent, without turbidity and sediment. Photo: beautylife.today
By opening the package, you can test the oil for authenticity. The taste and smell should be nutty, with a hint of bitterness. An expired product takes on a fishy smell. A sign of authenticity is fast absorption. Place a drop on a wooden spoon/surface and the drop will be absorbed within a few seconds.
When purchasing, give preference to glass or dark containers with a smaller volume. Shelf life in plastic is 10 months, in glass - 12-18 months.
Useful properties of oil
Useful qualities of flaxseed oil:
- with constant use, it reduces cholesterol, improves blood clotting, prevents the development of heart attacks, hypertension, blood clots, and reduces the risk of strokes;
- adds strength and activity to the body;
- increases calcium levels;
- accelerates the recovery process after sprains;
- simplifies the duration of pregnancy;
- prevents cancer;
- restores muscles after exercise.
