The therapeutic and beneficial properties of consuming flaxseed are not yet completely understood, and there is little evidence from high-quality research to confirm its benefits. However, it contains nutrients that may help prevent a number of health problems.
Tishir Tel Possible benefits include helping prevent cancer, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and protecting against radiation.
Cancer protection
Lowering cholesterol and improving heart health
Improving blood sugar
Constipation
Flaxseed is rich in both soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water.
Insoluble fiber remains in the intestinal tract. It absorbs water and adds bulk to the digestive tract. This helps keep moving through the gut regularly.
However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is little evidence that flaxseed helps reduce constipation. Consuming it with too little water can make constipation worse and possibly lead to an intestinal blockage. Too much flaxseed or flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.
Other conditions
The NCCIH is currently funding studies into whether the nutrients in flaxseed can help with:
- ovarian cancer
- cardiovascular disease
- metabolic syndrome
- diabetes
- asthma
- inflammation
Nutrition
Flaxseed is an excellent source of fiber, lignans, and linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), two omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for human health.
Lignans are also present in large amounts. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like chemical compounds with antioxidant qualities. They can reduce levels of free radicals in the body.
Flaxseed is considered a good source of lignans, containing 0.3 g for every 100 grams (g) of flaxseed. Lignans may help protect against cardiovascular disease and a range of chronic conditions if consumed for life as part of a healthful diet and lifestyle. However, more research is needed to confirm the exact role they can play.
Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be beneficial for the heart. They can only be obtained by eating the right foods, as the human body does not produce them. Flaxseeds should be consumed in ground form, as whole flaxseeds can pass through the digestive tract undigested.
