Flaxseed oil has a relatively low smoke point, around 225°C (437°F), which makes it unsuitable for cooking methods that involve high heat, such as frying, sautéing, or deep-frying. It is generally recommended to use Flaxseed Oil as a finishing oil rather than for cooking.
How to Store
Flaxseed oil will degrade with exposure to heat, light, and air, causing it to go rancid and taste quite bitter. This is the case for many vegetable and cooking oils, but flaxseed oil is especially susceptible so it’s important to keep the oil cool, dry, and in a dark place and check the oil regularly before using.
If the oil has any sour smell or bitter taste, it’s off and should be thrown away.
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However, research on the effects of flaxseed oil on constipation and diarrhea is currently limited to animal studies and studies on people with specific conditions.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
In an older small animal study, flaxseed oil was shown to block the formation of colon cancer in rats (10).
One study in 59 people compared the effects of flaxseed oil to those of safflower oil, a type of oil high in omega-6 fatty acids.
In a 2015 animal study, mice were given 0.3 ml of flaxseed oil for 40 days. It was found to prevent the spread of cancer and the growth of lung tumors (9).
Flaxseed vs Flaxseed Oil – Which Is Better?
FAQ
What happens to flax oil when heated?
Can you put flaxseed oil on hot food?
At what temperature does flaxseed oil polymerize?
Is flaxseed affected by heat?
Can you cook with flaxseed oil?
Peart says you also shouldn’t use flaxseed oil for cooking because it has a low smoke point. That means it burns at low temperatures. “You don’t want to expose flaxseed oil to high heat,” she cautions. “When you heat the oil, you break down the fatty acids.
Do the benefits of ground flax seed change when heated?
Studies show that the stability of flaxseed lignans is maintained and that heating contributes to better extractability of lignans. Lignans are mainly found in flaxseed and are a type of polyphenol with estrogen-like action in mammals.
Is flaxseed oil healthy?
Flaxseed oil is packed with multiple important health benefits. Although flaxseed oil is 100% fat, that doesn’t mean it’s unhealthy. First, the fat is unsaturated fat, the kind that’s good for heart health. Omega-3 fats are associated with multiple health benefits. These include a reduced risk of: Developing heart disease. Developing blood clots.
Is flaxseed oil raw or cold pressed?
Typically, any flaxseed oil labelled as raw, virgin, or cold-pressed is meant for culinary purposes. Flaxseed oil will degrade with exposure to heat, light, and air, causing it to go rancid and taste quite bitter.