Flaxseed is the seed from the plant Linum usitatissimum.
There has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of flaxseed oil but many people don’t know exactly what it is and what it specifically does. Flax is a good source of plant omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber and other nutrients. It’s nutrient composition differs from that of other major oil seeds such as canola and sunflower. It’s important to get the facts straight to make the best choice when purchasing flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. According to the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, a flax seed is about 40% oil by weight. Of this oil, 55% of it is omega-3 fatty acid. Flax is unique because, traditionally, the oil hasn’t been used much. Flaxseeds (also called linseeds) are a rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3. The seeds come from flax, one of the oldest fiber crops in the world-known to have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and China. Flaxseed is a source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber; modern research has found evidence to suggest that flaxseed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Flaxseed. Flaxseed is a popular traditional food and remedy, as flaxseed and flaxseed oil, or linseed oil, contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fats are important for maintaining the body's health.  Flax (also known as common flax or linseed), with the binomial name Linum usitatissimum, is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is a food and fiber crop that is grown in cooler regions of the world.  Flaxseed, or linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), comes from the flax plant, which is an annual herb. The ancient Egyptians used flaxseed as both food and medicine. In the past, flaxseed was used mostly as a laxative. In addition to the important omega-3 fatty acid ALA, flaxseed, NOT the oil, also contains phytoestrogens, which are plant chemicals called lignans. Phytoestrogens act like the hormone estrogen and may help protect against some kinds of cancer. Definition of FLAXSEED. : the small seed of flax (especially Linum usitatissimum) used especially as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient, and as a dietary supplement —called also linseed. See flaxseed defined for kids. ADVERTISEMENT Introduction. This fact sheet provides basic information about flaxseed and flaxseed oil—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information. Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and Northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds. The most common folk or traditional use of flaxseed is as a laxative; it is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.  One tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 2 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids (includes the omega 3s) and 2 grams of dietary fiber and 37 calories. Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation.  Flaxseed is the seed from the plant Linum usitatissimum. The seed or the seed oil is used to make medicine. The information on this page concerns medicine made from the SEED only. There is a separate listing for flaxseed OIL. 
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-health-benefits-of-flaxseed-oil/ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263405.php http://www.webmd.boots.com/vitamins-and-minerals/flaxseed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/flaxseed http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaxseed https://nccih.nih.gov/health/flaxseed/ataglance.htm http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/flaxseed/faq-20058354 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-991-FLAXSEED.aspx?activeIngredientId=991&activeIngredientName=FLAXSEED
what is flaxseed