Flax is a high-fiber oilseed that comes from a bluish-purplish flowered plant. There are two distinct types of flaxseed, brown and golden. Flax is a crop that is more abundantly grown in northern, cooler climates.

Flax was once used mainly as a fiber for clothing and as an oil base for paint. Flax is still used on a limited scale for those products, but has recently sparked a great deal of interest in the health food industry. Flaxseed can be crushed and used for it's oil, or ground up and consumed in a wide variety of foods. Flaxseed has a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids in it, which has many health benefits including relieving skin conditions, lowering cholesterol, fighting constipation, inflammation, and heart disease; just to name a few. This being the reason flaxseed is found in so many supplements and nutraceuticals.

Flaxseed also is used as a feed source for different livestock and pets. Flaxseed helps provide animals with a shiny, lush coat. It is also fed to chickens, by egg producers, so the eggs can be a source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed is also used in the baking industry for breads and confectionaries. Baker's enjoy using flaxseed because of its many health benefits. Flaxseed also provides a considerable amount of appealing color to different breads and confectionaries.