Linseed Oil
Linseed oil was used as an omega-3 supplement three times daily during the 7-day FMD for multiple sclerosis patients. Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) during calorie restriction to maint
Why It Matters for Longevity
Linseed oil was used as an omega-3 supplement three times daily during the 7-day FMD for multiple sclerosis patients. Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) during calorie restriction to maintain essential fatty acid intake. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid; during the FMD caloric restriction protocol, linseed oil maintains essential fatty acid status and provides anti-inflammatory precursors without significant caloric burden from protein.. Flaxseed oil (ALA) consumption reduces inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and improves endothelial function; regular intake associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. (PMID 19515737) (PubMed) ALA from flaxseed oil is partially converted to EPA (approximately 8%) and DHA (approximately 0.1%) in humans; meaningful amounts of EPA are produced with regular high-ALA supplementation in plant-based dieters. (PMID 27434027) (PubMed)
How to Use It
Pairs well with lettuce, lemon, oats. Use as a oil in your daily meals according to the Longevity Diet guidelines.
What to Pair It With
| Ingredient | Why | Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| lettuce | See synergies | culinary tradition |
| lemon | See synergies | culinary tradition |
| oats | See synergies | culinary tradition |
| kidney beans | See synergies | culinary tradition |
Synergies
- Herring (complement): Marine omega-3s (EPA/DHA) from herring and plant ALA from linseed oil provide complementary omega-3 coverage for those on primarily plant-based longevity diets - Lettuce (complement): Linseed oil as a salad dressing oil enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamin K and carotenoids from lettuce while contributing ALA omega-3 - Magnesium (synergy): Both linseed oil ALA and magnesium support cardiovascular health through complementary mechanisms; combined adequacy reduces cardiac arrhythmia risk
Flavor Profile
Taste: nutty, slightly bitter, earthy. Aroma: nutty, grassy. Texture: liquid oil, thin viscosity. Category: finishing oil / supplement oil.
The Science
- PubMed: Flaxseed oil (ALA) consumption reduces inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and improves endothelial function; regular intake associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. (PMID 19515737) - PubMed: ALA from flaxseed oil is partially converted to EPA (approximately 8%) and DHA (approximately 0.1%) in humans; meaningful amounts of EPA are produced with regular high-ALA supplementation in plant-based dieters. (PMID 27434027) - PubMed: In a randomized clinical trial, daily flaxseed oil supplementation reduced multiple sclerosis relapse frequency and inflammatory cytokine levels; supports the book's use of linseed oil in the MS-specific FMD protocol. (PMID 31480656) - Examine.com: Linseed/flaxseed oil is the most concentrated plant source of ALA omega-3 (approximately 55% of fatty acids); while conversion to EPA/DHA is limited, ALA itself has independent anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. - Book claim (high confidence): Linseed oil was used as an omega-3 supplement three times daily during the 7-day FMD for multiple sclerosis patients. Pr
Key Nutrients
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) | ~55 g | Highly bioavailable from cold-pressed oil; heat and light sensitive — store refrigerated and never heat |
| Linoleic acid (LA, omega-6) | ~15 g | Present at a favorable omega-3:omega-6 ratio, unlike most vegetable oils |
| Vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol) | ~0.2 mg | Low vitamin E content; store in dark glass to prevent oxidative rancidity |
| Lignans (as precursors) | trace (in oil; high in whole flaxseed) | Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside lignans are concentrated in the seed not the oil; whole flaxseed preferred for lignan benefits |