Enterprising farm family behind healthy flaxseed oil

Jim runs Mount Mills, located just outside the Co Down city, with wife Martina on the family farm which has won respect throughout Ireland for its contribution to equestrian sports.

The enterprising couple is behind pioneering work with flax seed and has just introduced Natu Cold Pressed Flax Oil developed at a dedicated processing unit on the farm where the product is processed from seed to oil.

Outlining the benefits of the new oil, Jim says it can help in lowering blood cholesterol levels, promote joint health and may improve skin conditions such as psoriasis. The most important element in the new oil is Alfa Linolenic Acid (Omega 3).

“We are conscious of making health claims and have worked with Environmental Health in Northern Ireland on the labelling of the oil and are permitted to say that a daily intake of only 2g of Alfa Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. This is an EU registered claim and very relevant in these times when so many people are turning to alternative methods to manage high blood cholesterol levels and other conditions,” adds Jim.

Mount Mills Flax Oil is the result of many years’ research and experimentation by Jim and Martina with many different crops such as marigold and hemp as well as flaxseed.

“My research found that flaxseed produced the best balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils – the two most essential fatty acids. The health benefits of flaxseed oil have also been backed by extensive academic research,” he continues.

Jim has originally used flax grown on his farm but now also sources from accredited and longstanding growers in England due to our damper climate and his need for larger volumes. He then cold presses the flaxseed, packs, labels the product and ships the bottles to retail and other clients.

“This ensures customers can count on us for total product traceability and provenance. All aspects of the processing are carried out on the farm under my complete control,” he explains.

The new flax oil for human consumption is based on Jim’s passion for the wellbeing of horses and lifelong participation in equestrian sports which led him to investigate diet and in particular the benefits of Omega oils. The oils are created from seed using a modified cold press process that is unique to Mount Mills and has been developed by Jim. Business development agency Invest Northern Ireland assisted the development of the dedicated processing and production of flaxseed oil for human consumption.

The success of his products in the equestrian world led Jim and Martina to explore other applications for the unique oil especially for human consumption…and Natu, the new product, was born. This work included investigation of academic research sources over many years.

Mount Mills Flax Oil, he says, is “the result of research over many years and experimentation with many different crops such as marigold, hemp as well as flaxseed”. Jim found that flaxseed produced the best balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils – the two most essential fatty acids that are not naturally produced.

“From seed to drum – it’s all done on our farm in Co Down. Our flaxseed oil is made with the highest quality seed and is cold pressed in a special health regulated press and bottled under the same stringent health regulated conditions for human consumption,” he adds.

“It’s a natural product which is now clearly endorsed as an aid to maintaining correct cholesterol in the human blood system on a daily basis. Feedback from a test group indicated that previously high levels of cholesterol have been reduced and are being kept stable. There were truly outstanding results for some and all gained with the recommended intake of only 2g per day.”

Natu is available in Mount Mills online shop and also in many health food retailers. The company is also lining up retail outlets here, in Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Jim concludes: “Our flax oil is harvested from the fresh ripe seeds of the flax plant. It is a precious natural nectar and packed with high levels of Omega 3. We have crafted this product so people may be able to benefit from its outstanding nutritional value and enjoy life.”

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