Quick Facts: Flaxseed

• The Babylonians cultivated flaxseed as early as 3000 B.C.²
• Flax was one of the most important crops to early American farmers, acting as a fiber and preservative that helped sustain the population.¹
• Flaxseed oil is also known as linseed oil and is used as a preservative finish on wood.²
• Crushed flaxseed has been found to decrease the frequency of hot flashes in post-menopausal woman by 50%.⁴
• The species name in the scientific name of flaxseed, Linum usitatissimum, means “most useful.”⁴
• European emperor Charlemagne passed laws requiring the cultivation and consumption of flaxseed due to its culinary, medicinal and fiber usefulness.⁴
• When adding flaxseed into your diet, begin using only one teaspoon and slowly build up to the intake goal to avoid bloating.⁴