What is flaxseed & what are its benefits?
We talk you through some of the basics of flaxseed as well as the benefits of adding it to your daily diet. At Linwoods you will find tips on how eat by simply adding it to your cooking using our delicious recipes.
What is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is sourced from the flax plant and is one of nature’s richest plant sources of Omega 3. The plant itself is cultivated for its seeds as well as its fibre. The tiny super seed that’s been around for generations!
Although it can be consumed whole, whole flaxseeds pass through the body without being digested, acting only as roughage (i.e. fibre). Therefore your body misses out on most of the nutritional benefits. As our flaxseed is milled it is much more bio-available, making it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients such as Protein, Omega 3, Lignans, Vitamins & Minerals, as well as soluble & insoluble fibre.
What types of Flaxseed products are available?
Flaxseed comes in a range of convenient forms—so it’s easy to fit it into your daily routine, whatever your preference or recipe.
At Linwoods, we make it simple to enjoy the benefits of flaxseed with options that suit every lifestyle.
Here’s a quick guide to the most popular choices:
Whole Flaxseeds: The most natural state, whole seeds are ideal for adding a crunchy boost to yogurt, porridge, or home baking. Keep in mind that unless they’re ground, many seeds may pass through the digestive system without fully releasing their nutrients.
Milled or Ground Flaxseed: Linwoods specialises in cold-milled flaxseed, which is finely ground for easy digestion and better absorption of nutrients. Our cold milling process helps preserve essential fatty acids and other beneficial compounds. This versatile powder blends effortlessly into smoothies, cereals, or even soups.
Flaxseed Oil: Cold-pressed flaxseed oil is a concentrated source of Omega 3 (ALA) and other essential fatty acids. It’s often used as a supplement for heart and brain health or drizzled over salads and cooked dishes. Always check it’s cold-pressed to ensure maximum nutrient retention.
Flaxseed Capsules/Softgels: For extra convenience, flaxseed oil is also available in softgel capsule form—perfect for those looking for a quick dose of Omega-3 on the go.
Blended Flaxseed Mixes: Linwoods offers a variety of blends combining milled flaxseed with other seeds, nuts, or natural flavourings like apple and cinnamon. These mixes are perfect for sprinkling on breakfast bowls, baking, or adding extra variety to your diet.
How do oil, milled and ground flaxseed compare for Omega-3?
Flaxseed is renowned for its high content of plant-based Omega 3, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In the world of seeds, flax is nearly at the top for ALA content—second only to chia seeds, which have a slight edge.
When it comes to how much Omega 3 you actually get, the form matters:
- Flaxseed Oil: Delivers the most concentrated hit of ALA, as the oil is pressed directly from the seeds, making those healthy fats easy to absorb.
- Milled (Ground) Flaxseed: A close second, milled seeds release much more Omega 3 than whole seeds because the tough seed shell is broken down, making the nutrients more available to your body.
- Whole Flaxseeds: Contain the same ALA on paper, but most of it remains locked within the seed’s exterior and passes through undigested—so you’ll miss out on much of the benefit unless they’re milled or chewed very thoroughly.
Now, compared to chia seeds, both offer a powerful plant-based Omega 3 boost, though chia claims a marginal lead per gram. However, both seeds are well ahead of many other nuts and seeds in this department.
One important note: plant-based Omega 3 (ALA) differs from the types found in oily fish, like salmon or mackerel—namely EPA and DHA. Your body does convert some ALA from flax and chia into EPA and DHA, but it’s not especially efficient at this. So while flaxseed is fantastic for boosting your daily Omega 3 intake (especially for vegetarians and vegans), those seeking direct EPA and DHA may still turn to fish or marine algae oils.
The winning combination? Flaxseed’s brilliantly low Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio helps support a healthy balance of these essential fats—a nutritional advantage over many other oil-rich seeds and nuts.
With that, let’s look at what makes cold milled flaxseed a standout choice for wellbeing…
What Is Cold Milled Flaxseed?
This versatile product has gained popularity for its ability to support normal blood cholesterol levels while providing a rich source of fiber and plant-based protein. What sets this product apart is its 100% organic composition, making it an ideal choice for those following gluten-free and vegan diets.
When it comes to incorporating flaxseed into your daily routine, milled flaxseed takes the spotlight. Through a meticulous blending process, flaxseeds are transformed into a finely powdered form, ensuring easy consumption and digestion. Unlike when whole, which can pass through the body undigested, milled flaxseed unlocks the full potential of the seeds, allowing your body to absorb and benefit from their incredible nutrients.
At Linwoods, we take pride in our cold milling process, which delicately prepares our blend. This unique method ensures that the seed’s valuable nutrients remain intact while promoting optimal digestion. With Linwoods Cold Milled Flaxseed, you can indulge in a convenient and nutrient-packed addition to your diet. Get ready to experience the wonders of milled flaxseed and unlock its full potential for your well-being.
What advantages does Milled Flaxseed offer?
Enhance your Well-being
There are a number of reported benefits of introducing flaxseed into your daily diet. Linwoods makes this extremely easy by offering award winning products for both quality and taste. We have a unique range offering mixtures including the benefits of other seeds, berries & nuts including Chia Seed, Hemp Seeds & Almonds.

Promote Healthy Blood Cholesterol Levels
Milled Flax presents a natural and beneficial source of Omega 3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that aids in maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels. Our bodies do not produce Omega 3 (ALA) naturally, so obtaining it from our diet becomes crucial. Including just one 20g serving of Linwoods Milled Flax in your daily routine conveniently provides 4g of Omega 3 (ALA) for your dietary needs.
What does research say about the relationship between flaxseed and blood glucose?
Emerging research suggests that flaxseed could play a helpful role in supporting balanced blood sugar levels, particularly for those managing type 2 diabetes. Some studies report that consuming 10–20g of flaxseed daily over a period of 1–2 months may contribute to lower fasting blood glucose, making it a promising addition for those focused on metabolic health.
However, it’s important to note that findings are mixed—while several studies highlight positive changes, not all research has found a consistent effect on blood glucose and insulin regulation. Still, thanks to its favorable nutrient profile and fibre content, flaxseed is widely regarded as a safe and nutritious choice for people seeking to support healthy blood sugar.
Read more from the University of Reading.
Abundant in Fiber
Fiber plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, yet many struggle to meet the recommended daily intake of 30g. Flax boasts a high fiber content, delivering 5g of fiber per 20g serving (equivalent to two tablespoons). This makes it effortless to significantly augment your fiber consumption. Furthermore, our uniquely cold milling process ensures that the flax is easily digestible, while preserving all the nutritional benefits contained within the whole seed.
Support Strong Bones & Teeth
It contains notable amounts of magnesium (20% of your recommended daily intake) and phosphorus (13% of your recommended daily intake), which contribute to maintaining strong bones and teeth. These nutrients also aid in reducing tiredness and fatigue.
Plant-Based Protein Source
For individuals adhering to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, milled flaxseed serves as an excellent plant-based protein source, supplying 5g of protein per 20g serving. Protein plays a vital role in muscle mass growth and maintenance, as well as preserving healthy bones.
It also includes Zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hails & hair. Iron content helps contribute to energy yielding metabolism which can lead to a reduction of fatigue. Potassium helps contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
How do customer ratings and reviews compare across flaxseed products?
Linwoods flaxseed products consistently receive exceptional feedback from customers. On Feefo, Linwoods holds an impressive average rating of 4.9/5 for product quality and 5.0/5 for service, based on thousands of verified reviews.
When it comes to flaxseed specifically, customers frequently praise:
- Cold Milled Flaxseed – Highlighted as “first class” and “great on morning porridge,” thanks to its smooth texture and nutrient retention from Linwoods’ cold milling process.
- Flaxseed Blends – Popular mixes like flaxseed with nuts, seeds, or apple and cinnamon are described as “really delicious” and “great for variety.”
- Convenience & Quality – Reviews often mention easy online ordering, fast delivery, and well-packaged products.
These ratings reflect not only the nutritional benefits of Linwoods flaxseed but also the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose pure flaxseed or blended options, Linwoods products are trusted and highly recommended by consumers.
Flaxseed and Sustainability
Are There Organic or Sustainably Certified Flaxseed Products Available?
Yes! At Linwoods, we’re proud to offer Cold Milled Flaxseed that is certified organic and produced with sustainability in mind. Our organic flaxseed is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and meets strict UK organic standards, giving you peace of mind that what you’re eating is both healthy and environmentally responsible.
Our Cold Milled Flaxseed carries the Soil Association logo, the UK’s leading organic certification. This guarantees:
- Certified Organic: Produced to the highest UK organic standards.
- No GMOs or Artificial Additives: Free from genetically modified ingredients and synthetic chemicals.
- Environmental Care: Farming practices that protect soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
- Traceability & Trust: Independent verification from farm to fork.
We introduced organic milled flaxseed in 2003 and continue to champion organic principles through products like our Cold Milled Flaxseed, which is processed using our cold-milling technique to preserve nutrients and make it easy to add to your daily routine.
Choosing Linwoods organic Cold Milled Flaxseed is a simple way to boost your nutrition while supporting sustainable farming practices.
How do organic content levels differ among available flaxseed products?
When shopping for flaxseed, you might notice a variety of organic labels and certifications. But what do these actually mean in terms of organic content?
- EU Organic Certification
Products carrying the EU Organic logo must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. This means almost all of the product comes from organic sources, and it has been produced, processed, and stored according to strict EU standards. - Soil Association Organic Certification
Flaxseed products with this certification go a step further, ensuring the entire product—100%—is organic. The Soil Association also champions rigorous traceability and holds higher standards for sustainability and animal welfare.
While EU Organic flaxseeds offer a very high organic content (at least 95%), Soil Association certified flaxseeds guarantee a fully organic product. Depending on your priorities, you can choose the certification that fits your needs and values.
There are other articles about the benefits of cold milled flaxseed such as webmb.





















