Flaxseed oil: shelf life and storage rules, recommendations

What is the shelf life of flaxseed oil? How to properly store it? How to use? We will answer these and other questions in the article. This information will be useful to every housewife.

Flaxseed oil is a plant product that is obtained from flax seeds. Drying oil and varnish are prepared from it. It is also used for the production of linoleum and oil paints, which are used by artists and even in construction. Flaxseed oil has long been known for its use in folk medicine. Thanks to him, we never thought about diseases such as atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Compound

Flax contains the following acids: alpha-linoleic, oleic, and other substances. Flaxseed oil can be obtained from flax seeds by cold pressing. This is the product that is used for medicinal purposes. Flaxseed oil, depending on the degree of extraction and purification, ranges from golden to brown. It includes vitamins such as K, B, E, A, F, proteins, natural antioxidants, and tocopherols. Sesamol is a predominant antioxidant. It is because of this that linseed oil does not oxidize and is perfectly stored. It is saturated with phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium. Flaxseed oil is very high in a beneficial substance called Omega-3, much higher than in fish oil and other foods.

Remember

Choose correctly. When purchasing, pay attention to the date of production and bottling. The shorter the interval, the better the product. Useful properties are better preserved in glass.
Follow storage rules. Avoid high temperatures, direct sunlight, and contact with air.
Follow the recommendations for use. Include in dishes in their natural form, without heating. You cannot fry with flaxseed oil. After the expiration date, keep for household needs or recycle.

Flaxseed oil is an important component of health programs and is used externally and internally. You can only benefit from a fresh product. Be careful, follow the recommendations and tips on how to store flaxseed oil after opening it.

Application

During sleep, the productivity of flaxseed oil absorption increases. Based on this, it should be used in food before bedtime. Polyunsaturated fats, which form its basis, increase the time of lipid burning and thus extra pounds cannot be deposited on the waist, hips and abdomen. If you use flaxseed oil with food, it is advisable to do this in the morning 20 minutes before meals and in the evenings after dinner, one teaspoon. However, over time, the intake is allowed to be increased to a tablespoon. In order to get results, you should not drink hot drinks at this time. Flaxseed oil is used in medicine and is also added to various dishes. Pharmaceutical companies are creating bioactive flaxseed products for topical use.

Flaxseed oil has essential and polyunsaturated phenols Omega 3 and Omega 6. The human body needs acids. The product is added when cooking and even drunk in the morning.

Refined or unrefined

Does vodka in the form of a glass bottle have a shelf life and shelf life according to GOST?

These changes apply to unrefined edible flaxseed oil, which is used for frying. But progress does not stand still, and a product that is not cold-pressed, i.e., refined, comes to the aid of the culinary specialist who cares about his health.

The smell of fish oil is insignificant, the taste is not greatly changed, but the presence of acids, vitamins and other useful microelements is 2/3 less. This fact allows you to fry with flaxseed oil. It is believed that ammonia in such doses does not pose a health threat. The food does not have a brightly colored unpleasant odor or taste (more like fishy).

Thanks to special processing technology, I allow the possibility of cooking, namely frying, seasoning hot dishes with flax oil. But there is one “but”: the nutritional value of such oil liquid is much lower, and the price is higher.

Regardless of how flaxseed oil tastes, it is popular. If you include it in your diet in small portions daily, it is good for your health. Suitable as a dressing for cold dishes of meat, poultry, and vegetable salads. Used in the manufacture of sauces whose ingredients are not fried. Such as, for example, mayonnaise.

Recommended before and after meals in its pure form for people who:

They are looking for a way to cure colitis, get rid of heartburn and constipation.
They need to activate the liver.
They face problems with blood pressure and sudden loss of vision.
Suffer from asthma or suffer from diabetic neuropathy.
They want to stop or prevent the development of diseases of the heart and blood vessels (ischemia, heart attack, hypertension, atherosclerosis).

Vegetable fat is recommended for women not only as a cosmetic or nourishing mask for strengthening hair, nail plates, and skin rejuvenation.

Regular addition to food reduces pain during the menstrual cycle and menopause. The composition of the liquid has a positive effect when used daily (consume 30 minutes before meals) on the human body who is at risk of cancer.

During pregnancy, flaxseed oil helps normalize the formation of the fetus. His brain activity, skin, internal organs. But in such cases, the dosage and method of use are prescribed by a specialist. After all, passion for the product will have a bad effect on the mother’s health.

In what container to buy and store flaxseed oil

This product should only be purchased in dark glass bottles or opaque containers. Plastic containers are definitely not worth using. It is very important to decide on containers for storing flaxseed oil. To do this, it is necessary that the bottle has a narrow neck. Because it will prevent air from getting inside. Also avoid using a metal container. After all, it oxidizes.

Answers to popular questions

Even with the most detailed coverage of the problem, consumers still have questions. Below are answers to the most popular ones.

Should flaxseed oil be bitter? No, high-quality linseed oil, stored in optimal conditions, should not taste bitter. If it has a bitter taste, it means that the oxidation process has begun and the oil becomes hazardous to health.
Is it possible to drink flaxseed oil on an empty stomach? Yes, flaxseed oil is taken on an empty stomach to cleanse the intestines and for gastritis. This method of administration is not used in persons with a history of pancreatitis, especially during periods of exacerbation. This remedy causes the release of bile when consumed on an empty stomach, which causes vomiting. You need to wait until the period of remission to be treated with flaxseed oil on an empty stomach.
Is it possible to fry with flaxseed oil? No, this is impossible, since the polyunsaturated fatty acids for which flaxseed oil is used are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures. But the most dangerous thing is that these acids turn into carcinogens, which accelerate the aging of the body and cause cancer.
Is it possible to give flaxseed oil to children? There is no consensus on the use of flaxseed oil among children - pediatricians usually do not allow its use in baby food until 6-7 years of age.
Is it possible to take flaxseed oil during pregnancy? Proof that flaxseed oil is beneficial for pregnant women is an experiment by scientists at the University of California, who set out to determine the prerequisites for the birth of intellectually gifted children. They examined the molecular structure of subcutaneous fat in the thigh area and concluded that it contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which affect the development of brain structures. Other fatty acids, unbalanced with omega-3 lipids, suppress the development of the unborn child's brain. Flaxseed oil, as a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, is a product recommended for consumption by pregnant women. But first you need to discuss possible contraindications with your gynecologist and use the dosage recommended by your doctor.
Is it possible to lose weight with flaxseed oil? This product cannot be called a “magic pill” that helps you gain slimness in a short time, without much effort. With all its advantages, flaxseed oil is considered an auxiliary factor in weight correction. What is certain is that the essential fatty acids included in its composition are in a very successful combination and easily normalize fat metabolism, due to which excess weight is reduced. Omega-3 lipids, as a result of complex biochemical reactions, convert excess fats that enter the body into glycerol and water. They are not absorbed by the body, but are excreted without being deposited in fatty tissue. To give your figure the desired shape, you need to monitor your diet and make changes to your lifestyle.

Author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma from Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

Our authors

Shelf life of linseed oil after opening

Buy flaxseed oil in small quantities. After all, due to long-term storage, it deteriorates and goes rancid. The most suitable option is to buy about 0.5 liters. What is the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening? The standard time is about fourteen days.

Please note that you should not consume flaxseed oil after its expiration date. The most important requirement to remember is: never use flaxseed oil for frying food. During frying, it completely loses beneficial vitamins and acids. It is better to use it in drinks, baked goods, salads, and you can also take it in the morning before meals, one tablespoon. It is acceptable to dip black bread in it. You can also add oil to soups and porridges when the food has cooled.

How to store: original ways

At home, housewives have invented several non-standard ways to store flaxseed elixir.

How to prepare opened oil and extend its shelf life:

For long-term storage, use the freezer. There the product will remain healthy and tasty for 4 to 6 months. Freeze it in portions to add ice cubes to fresh salads and cereals.
Mix with spices and fresh herbs, add chopped garlic - you get an original and quick dressing for various dishes.

Advice: flaxseed oil should only be consumed fresh; food should never be fried with it. You should also not heat the product in the microwave. Heat treatment instantly produces carcinogens.

Important If flax seed oil does become bitter and darkened, then it is spoiled - you should not store or use it (even for cosmetic purposes).

Best before date

What is the shelf life of flaxseed oil if it has not yet been opened? How long can I use the product after purchase? Please note that the shelf life of linseed oil from the date of manufacture is no more than one year. After this period, even if you have not used or opened the product, it must unfortunately be discarded.

As already mentioned, the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening the bottle is fourteen days. Therefore, it is very advisable to write the opening date with a marker. This is necessary in order to throw in the product after this period.

What is the shelf life of linseed oil after opening the bottle if it was stored in a dark and cool place? Here the situation is a little different. In this case, the period of use of the product after opening the package is up to five weeks.

Medicines and cosmetics made using this oil, as well as fish oil and vitamin E, are stored for the same amount of time.

If flaxseed oil has not expired, then in small doses it will contain a pleasant taste and smell. Note that this product stabilizes the digestive system and reduces the amount of toxins.

How to increase the shelf life of oil? There are secrets that will help optimize the shelf life after the expiration date of flaxseed oil for three weeks. To do this, you just need to add a little table salt to the bottle with the product. How much should the last one be? Add half a teaspoon of salt to a half-liter bottle of flaxseed oil.

Storage rules

Where is the best place to store flaxseed oil?
The label always indicates information about the date of manufacture. The longest shelf life is 1 year in undamaged packaging. After opening the container, interaction with oxygen begins, and the shelf life quickly decreases. It is necessary to keep flaxseed oil in a dark place with a low temperature in a closed container. Avoid contact with sunlight. After 1.5 months, you can throw away the opened product; sediment appears, the taste and smell change. The maximum permissible amount of impurities at the bottom of the bottle is 1%. If the taste becomes bitter, it should not be consumed. Bottles are not opened unless necessary. The most suitable storage container is dark glass; in extreme cases, plastic containers are used.

Oxygen should not enter the bottle; it is advisable to buy liquid produced by cold pressing; such oil retains more beneficial properties and is suitable for storing in the refrigerator. Seed extract is purchased only at trusted retail outlets or pharmacies.

Today, many people sell it without a guarantee; buyers are required to be careful

It must be remembered that such oil is afraid of light, oxygen and heat. If you limit products from exposure to these factors, you can keep them for a year. It is not recommended to place refined oils in the refrigerator; a pantry, basement or place on the veranda is suitable. It is necessary to ensure dryness and darkness. The capsules are ideal for packaging; the original packaging retains its beneficial properties for a long time in a cool room without light.

Capsules should not be left in the sun; after half an hour the contents will deteriorate. Table salt helps keep the seed extract open. The crystals are heated for several minutes in a frying pan, quickly cooled, and added to the container.

If the expiration date has expired, a bitter taste appears, the liquid darkens, and smells disgusting. This indicates the formation of harmful components that make the product unsuitable for food or cosmetic purposes. There will be no benefit from it, so you will have to throw away the squeeze. The most suitable place for purchase is considered to be a pharmacy; the composition should not include preservatives, the container volume is no more than 0.2 liters, high-quality linseed oil is not sold on tap. The composition of the product brings tangible benefits to the body, but you need to learn how to choose it correctly.

Useful properties of oil

Useful qualities of flaxseed oil:

with constant use, it reduces cholesterol, improves blood clotting, prevents the development of heart attacks, hypertension, blood clots, and reduces the risk of strokes;
adds strength and activity to the body;
increases calcium levels;
accelerates the recovery process after sprains;
simplifies the duration of pregnancy;
prevents cancer;
restores muscles after exercise.

What is the use of the product and why is it needed?

In the retail chain, packaged deodorized bottled oil should be stored in dark rooms at a temperature not exceeding 18 ° C and a relative humidity of 85%. VNIIZhirov specialists recommend storing opened oil in a dry container with caps closed in the refrigerator, since its beneficial properties are lost in light and at elevated air temperatures.

Regardless of where you buy it, make sure that the storage conditions have not been violated at this stage. It is difficult to maintain the correct temperature on open market stalls, so it is better to choose flaxseed oil in pharmacies or grocery stores. At the same time, give preference to opaque or dark packaging located on shelves not exposed to direct sunlight.

Obtaining this valuable product is a well-established process in those regions where flax grows. However, there are different ways to obtain it, which affect the qualitative composition of the final product. The most saturated with useful substances is oil produced by cold pressing.

Then read the label: Although it may seem tempting, don't fall for the marketing gimmicks and avoid "advanced" formulations. Buy first cold-pressed flax seed oil without additional ingredients and, moreover, any preservatives, flavors and other artificial additives.

Saturated and monounsaturated acids occupy about 40%. The beneficial properties of flax block the progress of cancer cells, reduce blood viscosity, accelerate metabolic processes, and eliminate the symptoms of atherosclerosis.

The shelf life of linseed oil from the date of manufacture is 1 year, after opening the package - from 14 days to 1 month. Manufacturers indicate this information on the packaging. You can determine the freshness of oil only by taste or smell. If the oil is bitter, it means that it is not edible.

Often the manufacturer himself makes a mistake when making oil. Then it can go bad right at the factory. For example, the oil was produced, but bottled and hermetically sealed only after a week. Therefore, choose only trusted manufacturers!

The healing properties of flaxseed oil are unique; it helps improve health, lose weight and look beautiful. The only drawback is the problem with safety: the product is afraid of air, heat and light. Some tricks that I will share with you can help extend the shelf life after opening.

A little trick: to extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil after opening it, you can pour edible rock salt into the bottle at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter. The salt must first be heated for 2-3 minutes in a hot, dry frying pan and cooled.

How to properly store it? How to use? We will answer these and other questions in the article. This information will be useful to every housewife. Flaxseed oil is a plant product that is obtained from flax seeds. Drying oil and varnish are prepared from it. It is also used for the production of linoleum and oil paints, which are used by artists and even in construction.