How to store flaxseed oil properly. An important aspect of how to store and consume flaxseed oil

12.08.2019 Lenten dishes

Our wise and experienced ancestors also spread the fame of a beautiful, delicate plant with a thin green stem and blue flowers - flax. Since ancient times, it has been considered an indispensable product in various spheres of human life. Starting from food and ending with the medical environment in Ancient Russia linseed oil was a part of festive dishes, for taste and aroma. In the days of warriors, it was indispensable for the treatment of wounds, cuts, for their quick healing, and as a pain reliever.
To this day, flaxseed oil is characterized by healing properties that protect and preserve the health of people of our century for many years.

It must be stored in a darkened place, and preferably purchased in a darkened container;
If flaxseed oil has been exposed to the sun and spent at least 30 minutes there, it is better not to use it in your diet. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, fatty acids are destroyed, and the usefulness is completely lost.

Unique components of linseed oil:
Vitamins F, A, E, B, K;
Saturated fatty acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6, which have a positive effect on cellular activity, on the rate of transmission of nerve impulses (our body cannot synthesize these fats on its own);
Polyunsaturated acids.

Flaxseed oil production is the result of cold pressing flaxseed. Flaxseed oil can vary in color from brown to golden, depending on the degree of refining.

Correct use of flaxseed oil:
It is recommended to combine flaxseed oil with kefir, yogurt, honey, use it with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes, dress it in cereals or salads. For a subtle note of aroma, it is added to baked goods.

Important!!! Flaxseed oil should be consumed cold; during heat treatment, it loses its medicinal properties and quickly oxidizes.

Flaxseed oil is deservedly considered one of the healthiest vegetable fats. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and contains many polyunsaturated fatty acids. Only 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil, taken in the morning on an empty stomach, will help improve immunity, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and health in general. However, it should be remembered that oil will be useful only if stored correctly. How, where and how much linseed oil can be stored? Let's figure it out.

Home storage rules

Unlike other oils, flaxseed is very susceptible to environmental conditions and therefore oxidizes quickly. When storing it, it is important to follow many important rules.

  • Use the correct container. Flaxseed oil should be kept in a tightly closed, dark glass bottle with a narrow neck.
  • Observe a certain temperature regime. Since high temperatures are not used to extract the oil, the same principle should be followed during storage.
  • Store oil in a dark place. Exposure to sunlight is destructive for him.
  • Be sure to follow the expiration date of the product. Do not use oil after the specified date, otherwise you may damage your health.

Shelf life

It is important to remember that the shelf life of linseed oil depends on the method of pressing, the packaging used and ranges from 3 months to 1 year. Refined linseed fat made by cold pressing at a temperature not exceeding +45 ° C has a maximum shelf life. However, it should be stored in an unopened, opaque glass original packaging. It is even better if such a bottle is additionally closed in a cardboard box.

Flaxseed oil that has expired becomes dark and viscous, with a sour, rancid taste.

When buying, be sure to carefully read the instructions for using the product. Try not to buy a lot of oil at once. Take it as much as you intend to use within a month. It is also not recommended to use it more than the daily rate. This can cause side effects - worsening blood clotting or metabolic disorders.

Use folk wisdom to extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening the bottle for a couple of weeks. Heat salt in a frying pan for 2-3 minutes and add 1 tsp each. for every liter of oil. It is possible to determine that flaxseed fat has expired by the following criteria: it acquires a sour and rancid taste and becomes darker and more viscous.

Selection of containers for bulk oil

When purchasing flaxseed oil for bottling, keep in mind that it is better to do it often and little by little. A prerequisite for storing bulk oil is the correct selection of containers. Never store the product in plastic bottles. Even if you purchased it in such a package, be sure to pour it into an opaque glass bottle, porcelain or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Try to keep the maximum purchase volume not exceeding 0.5 liters. Be sure to sign the date of purchase.

Remember that proper storage of flaxseed oil means a container with a tight-fitting lid or stopper. Otherwise, when interacting with oxygen, vegetable fat will dry and become covered with a film. And with prolonged contact with air, changes in the composition of the oil can occur that are harmful to human health.

Features of storage in the refrigerator

It is important to remember that only unrefined flaxseed oil can be stored in the refrigerator. It is best to place it on the door. Do not be alarmed if, over time, a dark sediment forms at the bottom of the bottle. Never put refined oil in the refrigerator. Even at a temperature of +12 ° C, it will freeze and lose its beneficial properties. Store refined oil in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or kitchen cupboard.

It is unlikely that anyone would dare to dispute the value of flaxseed oil. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time. Today it has found application in medicine, cosmetology, cooking and dietary nutrition. It is important for people who care about their health to purchase a quality product and know how to store flaxseed oil.

Types, properties and application of the product

Like all vegetable oils, flaxseed is produced in a refined and unrefined way:

  • An unrefined product is healthier for the body, as it is only cleared of debris that gets into 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 odor is eliminated. It becomes neutral, therefore, the range of its application expands significantly.

Note to the hostess

If you see linseed oil in a product, do not assume that it is healthy. For its production, a refined substance was used that has no useful properties. It is such products that are used for the production of semi-finished products, baby food, baked goods, fats, spread, as well as varnishes, paints, floor coverings.

Many people don't like the taste of flaxseed oil, 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;
  • content does not interact with air;
  • in capsules, only cold-pressed product;
  • available for consumption anywhere.

Blisters with capsules are kept in a box and kept at the recommended temperature.

Indications and contraindications for the use of flaxseed oil

As a cosmetic product, linseed essence is used for face, hair and hand care. The skin becomes velvety and hydrated. Hair is strengthened along its entire length, acquiring shine and well-groomed appearance.

How to store fragrant gold

Flaxseed oil is a capricious product. Incorrect storage leads to a change in its properties in a short period of time.

The shelf life of flaxseed oil depends on several indicators:

  • Light - the contents of the bottle are negatively affected not only by sunlight, but also by artificial lighting. Under its influence, fatty acids are destroyed. Half an hour is enough for the oil product to lose its healing properties.
  • Warmly - you cannot fry in linseed oil. First, when it gets into hot dishes, harmful substances called free radicals are formed in it. Secondly, it can ignite involuntarily when heated.
  • Air - oxygen acts as an oxidizing agent on flaxseed extract. As a result, a film appears on the surface. It consists of molecules glued to each other, which can no longer be of benefit. Therefore, dishes with the addition of flaxseed oil are eaten immediately after cooking.

Do you know that…

Flaxseed oil is used either for medical reasons, or as an additive to cereals and salads. Not for frying.

In a closed bottle

The bottle label contains useful information about the production method, production date and shelf life of linseed oil. It usually ranges from 8 months to a year.

  • When choosing a product in a store, give preference to a dark glass bottle to avoid sunlight or lighting on the product.
  • Place a bottle that allows light to pass in a dark place (closet, closet) or in a paper bag.
  • An elongated neck with a screw cap or tight-fitting stopper will keep the contents from coming into contact with air.
  • Store an unopened bottle at a temperature not exceeding 23 degrees Celsius.

Due to the low content of antioxidants, flaxseed oil oxidizes very quickly, so use it without waiting until the end of the shelf life

In an open bottle

Immediately after opening the container, the product begins to interact with air. Fatty acids change properties for the worse. Therefore, it is important not to leave the bottle uncorked for a long time.

How to store flaxseed oil after opening the bottle:

  • You can use the contents of an opened bottle for 3-4 weeks.
  • There is no need to purchase large containers if there is no certainty that their contents will run out during this time.
  • It is necessary to make it a rule to pour leftovers from a large container into a small one so that there is less empty space. This will reduce oxidative stress and prolong the shelf life of the product.

Is a refrigerator suitable?

Let's figure out if it is possible to extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening the bottle by placing it in the refrigerator. The manufacturer recommends storing it there after opening the container. You can place containers in a cool closet or on the refrigerator door.

Elsewhere inside the refrigeration unit it is much colder, the oily product will thicken. But if you keep it in the closet for a while, it will again become a liquid consistency. Do not heat under any circumstances.

What to do if the expiration date has expired

Spoiled linseed oil:

  • becomes more bitter (it is normally bitter);
  • dark in color;
  • smells unpleasant.

This means that harmful substances have formed in it. You can not use it either for food or for cosmetic purposes, because there is no benefit, and the harm is huge. It's a pity, but you need to throw it away.

Small bottles should be purchased so that their contents expire before the due date

When buying, pay attention to the following nuances:

  • buy only in trusted places, bypass market stalls, where it is hardly possible to comply with the conditions for proper storage;
  • the best place for such a purchase is a pharmacy;
  • the product must be cold pressed;
  • noteworthy is the product in a dark glass bottle;
  • plastic containers - not suitable packaging for linseed oil;
  • choose products without additives and preservatives;
  • pay attention to the volume of the bottle not exceeding 0.2 liters;
  • do not buy an oil spill product.

Thanks to its unique composition, the benefits of flaxseed oil are tangible. The main thing is to know how to choose the right place to store flaxseed oil, and use it without harm to health. And then the excellent health and appearance will delight for many years.

Store properly and be healthy!

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Flaxseed oil is a very healthy but capricious product. It contains more omega-3 acids than olive, sunflower, corn and other oils. It is this property that creates difficulties in its storage due to rapid oxidation. So that the product does not lose most of its medicinal properties and is stored longer, you need to know a few secrets.

The benefits of flaxseed oil

Today, many doctors recommend this product as a remedy for all diseases. But it's hard to believe that oil alone can solve all health problems at once. Of course it is not. To cure a disease, you need to approach it in a comprehensive manner, and not only with the help of one means.

Still, flaxseed oil has tremendous benefits for the body. It is similar in composition to fish oil and contains alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats. They lower cholesterol levels, normalize the work of the heart and digestive system, help to lose excess weight, make hair and nails strong, and fight skin aging.

Who can and who can not drink flaxseed oil

Today, lovers of natural products and young girls, having read about the beneficial properties of flaxseed oil, run to the pharmacy and buy it in the hope that it will make them healthy, young and beautiful.

But it does not always meet their expectations. Flaxseed oil does not help everyone, and if you drink it without consulting a therapist, it can do harm.

Indications:

  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • gastrointestinal diseases;
  • dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
  • diabetes;
  • diseases of the nervous system;
  • decreased immunity;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • impotence.

Despite the fact that flaxseed oil is a dietary supplement, it is a very powerful remedy, the reception of which will affect the state of the whole organism. Therefore, you need to know all the pros and cons that arise when taking it.

Contraindications:

  • individual intolerance;
  • urolithiasis disease;
  • dysfunction of the pancreas;
  • pancreatitis;
  • hepatitis;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • enterocolitis;
  • gynecological diseases;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • taking antiviral and sedatives;
  • blood diseases.

Research also shows that flaxseed oil contains phytoestrogens, which can affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Do not be lazy to read the instructions before prescribing a course of flaxseed oil.

Application rules

It is very careful to start using it. The body must get used to it, and only then can the dose be increased. In the first week of admission, many noted nausea and slight dizziness, which disappears as they get used to it.

Flaxseed oil intake scheme:

  • 1 week: 5 ml in the morning on an empty stomach.
  • Week 2: 10 ml in the morning on an empty stomach.
  • Week 3: 10 ml in the morning on an empty stomach and a quarter of an hour after dinner.
  • 4 and subsequent weeks, 10 ml three times a day.

If in the first 10 days you start to experience discomfort, such as pain in the abdomen or sides, tingling sensations, allergies begin, then the oil intake should be stopped.

The full course is 90 days. During this time, all functions of the body will improve, the walls of blood vessels will strengthen, and immunity will increase. The next technique should be done no earlier than six months after the end of the previous one.

Flaxseed oil can be added to cold dishes. It is not recommended to fry and fill hot cereals with them. So it will immediately oxidize, lose its beneficial properties and free radicals that are harmful to health will begin to form in it. Also, do not forget about the specific taste of this product, not everyone can tolerate it in the composition of dishes. Therefore, many people prefer to take it separately with a glass of cool water.

If you are interested in the cosmetic rather than medicinal properties of the oil, then it is advisable to add it to home recipes instead of drinking. So you will definitely not harm your health and get long hair and velvety skin.

Storage rules

How to store flaxseed oil:

  1. Always purchase the product in dark glass or plastic containers. Light destroys fatty acid compounds.
  2. Buy it from trusted stores or pharmacies where you are confident that it was stored correctly. Do not buy flaxseed oil in bulk.
  3. The product should only be cold pressed.
  4. Always keep the bottle tightly closed so that no air gets into it. So the oil will quickly oxidize, and carcinogens will begin to be produced in it.
  5. It should be stored in the refrigerator, as it quickly deteriorates in the heat. The best place to store oil is in the refrigerator door.
  6. The shelf life is 8 months, unless other information is written on the label.
  7. After opening, the oil is stored for 1 month, so there is no point in buying it in large volumes.
  8. You can understand that the oil is gone by the rancid, sour taste. Fresh product has a nutty aroma and slightly bitter taste.
  9. Never leave the bottle in the open sun, as the product will completely lose its properties within half an hour.
  10. Oil is added to dishes before serving. After that, the food should not be stored in the refrigerator, but eaten immediately.
  11. When eating or for beauty treatments, never heat the oil or add it to hot meals.

Remember that free radicals, carcinogens and other substances formed in linseed oil if stored incorrectly and expired are dangerous to the body.

If you take care of your health, lead an active lifestyle and choose healthy food, then flaxseed oil will become an indispensable product in your kitchen, as an addition to salads and cereals, and as a means to maintain youth and beauty.

Video: how to use, choose and store flaxseed oil

Here is a selection of some of the harmful properties of flaxseed oil. Pay attention to them, some negative properties can be serious.

1.Fast oxidation spoils the product and leads to fire

Linseed oil is not intended for heat treatment, as it is subject to rapid and strong oxidation. This happens when interacting with air and the process is accelerated when heated.

Oxidation produces harmful free radicals. Therefore, you can not fry on it or add to hot food. Do not store it outdoors in an open container. Store only in refrigerator.

If the conditions and shelf life are violated, the oil will turn rancid. Due to the presence of ketones, epoxides and aldehydes in rancid oil, it should not be eaten.

For the curious: oil is a liquid continuous medium, with a molecular weight of 450-500 and a density of 0.9, we get a mol of about 0.5 liters. For the addition (complete oxidation) of 1 double bond, 22.4 liters of oxygen \u003d 100 liters of air are required. In this case, it is necessary to mix everything well. A half-empty 0.25 L bottle contains 125 ml of air or about 0.01 mole of oxygen. 125 ml oil \u003d 1/4 mole. Therefore, the limiting oxidation state \u003d 4%. Too much! Conclusion, you need to buy oil in a small container.

For the curious: linseed oil in the open air polymerizes spontaneously with an exothermic reaction. Cloth soaked in oil can ignite spontaneously.

2.Sunlight will ruin the oil

Linseed oil deteriorates from exposure to direct and indirect sunlight. Therefore, it must be stored in a darkened place, and it is advisable to purchase it in a darkened container. Otherwise, the body will receive harm, not benefit.

3.short shelf life even in the refrigerator

After opening the bottle, useful flaxseed oil has a shelf life of 1 month. The faster it is eaten after opening, the less chances of saturating the body with free radicals instead of beneficial omega-3 acids.

Tip: buy products from a reputable manufacturer and pay attention to the expiration date.

4.the harm of flaxseed oil for women

Although there are not many specific harmful properties, it is still better to know about them. Here is a description of the harmful qualities of flaxseed oil for women's health.

5.excessive consumption

There are no special recommendations on this. The product usually does not cause allergies, and its overdose does not threaten serious side effects. The main harm from excessive consumption of flaxseed oil is that it causes loose stools.

Excessive consumption of oil can harm the following categories of people:

  • pregnant women;
  • nursing mothers;
  • suffering from hormonal imbalance.

It should be noted: flaxseed oil contains phytoesrogens duplicating the hormone estrogen.

6.if there are stones

Contractions of the muscles of the urinary and biliary tract can lead to the infringement of stones present in them. This will cause an attack of pain at the pinched site. Therefore, people with stones in their organs should not use flaxseed oil in its pure form (like any other vegetable oil), or it should be done with extreme caution.

7.harms from flaxseed oil when taking medications

Flaxseed oil can be harmful to people who use pain relievers, as well as certain blood pressure medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, and diabetes medications. People taking blood thinners should also avoid flaxseed oil as it inhibits blood clotting.

The use of the product is contraindicated for those taking antiviral agents and antidepressants, as well as for women using oral contraceptives. Avoid using flaxseed oil if you are taking laxatives.

In any case, when taking medications and with chronic diseases, you should consult with your doctor. Perhaps you need a special diet and there will be no place for flaxseed oil.