What is the Difference between Linseed and Flaxseed?

For anyone who wants the short answer to the question “what is the difference between Linseed and Flaxseed” the answer is; none. Linseeds and Flaxseeds are the exact same thing. 

Confusion around these two names stems from the two big English-speaking countries. In the UK, we alternate between linseed and flax, while in the United States and Canada, both are referred to as flax.  

But what is flaxseed? What is linseed?

Flaxseed or Linseed is a small seed which comes from the flax plant Linum usitatissimum. The plant produces two types of seeds in different colours: Brown Linseed and Golden Linseed. They have a very similar nutritional profile. You can buy whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil. 

What is linseed used for?

Flaxseed/linseed is considered a superfood. It is used to help the digestive system and relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also reduce the risk of heart disease because it helps with blood cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Doctors recommend the ground linseed variety as it is much easier for digestion and allows the body to absorb all the nutrients. Whole Linseed may pass through your intestine undigested. 

Linen is also used to make textiles for cloth and linseed oil can also be used for wood finish, linoleum, oil paint and in cosmetics as moisturiser.