Lignans are being studied for use in preventing cancer. Although the exact daily requirement of these essential fatty acids is not known, deficiencies are believed to be fairly common. 1 Flaxseed oil may be an economical way to ensure that you get enough essential fatty acids in your diet. For this reason, you shouldn't cook with flaxseed oil. A good product should be sold in an opaque container, and the manufacturing process should keep the temperature under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some manufacturers combine the product with vitamin E because it helps prevent rancidity.
A typical dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily. It can be taken in capsule form or made into salad dressing. Some people find the taste pleasant, although others would politely disagree. The best use of flaxseed oil is as a general nutritional supplement to provide essential fatty acids. There is little evidence that it is effective for any specific therapeutic purpose.