Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) are one of the oldest small oil seeds in the world and are a great source of fats, antioxidants and fiber. Flax seeds are the second best source of ALA after chia seeds, and contain approximately 73% of polyunsaturated fatty acids and 27% of saturated fatty acids. ALA, which stands for alpha-linolenic acid, contains 18 carbons and is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid. Although ALA is an essential fatty acid, the human body cannot produce it on its own; thus, it is crucial that it is obtained or supplemented in the diet.
