Benefits of Cooked Linseed

Linseed has many benefits. The processing method involves gentle cooking and milling, which destroys the linase enzyme, making it more digestible and improving nutrient availability.

The amino acids which make up of the protein of linseed complement those of forage protein and aid in skeletal muscle development and regeneration. Linseed also has the potential to provide bioactive peptides (a group of biological molecules that are normally buried in the structure of parent proteins and become active after the cleavage of the proteins), which support vascular function and blood pressure regulation.

Linseed contains good levels of omega-6, and -9, which support vascular function and exercising muscle, but it is particularly rich in omega-3. This has been shown to help with inflammation, immune function and allergy response. Being high in omega-3, linseed can help balance the omega-3:6 ratio as many feedstuffs are poor in omega-3.

Linseed contains a good range of both soluble and insoluble fibres. Soluble pectins can help stimulate natural gut mucins that coat and protect the gut lining. Lignified material bulks gut contents, stimulating motility.

Linseed contains vitamins C & E (as ϒ-tocopherol), phenolics and flavonoids, which all act as powerful antioxidants, helping to maintain tissue structure and function.

Another interesting fact is that cooked linseed, as opposed to linseed used in its liquid oil form, contains useful minerals and trace elements such as, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Copper and Selenium, all of which are essential for metabolic processes. Another difference is that cooked linseed is high in protein (19-23%).

As linseed is virtually starch-free (less than 3%) and also contains very low amounts of sugar (less than 5%), it is suitable for horses and ponies with clinical nutritional diseases, such as PPID / Cushing’s Disease or EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome).

Personally, I have found linseed to be particularly beneficial for elderly equines as it provides slow-release energy, improves coat condition, and supports joint health through its high omega-3 fatty acid content. It is also, as mentioned above, a source of high-quality fibre and protein, which are crucial for maintaining muscle function and overall well-being. For older horses, it can definitely help with weight maintenance, digestion, and joint stiffness.