Flaxseed has a number of benefits for human health. It is rich in fibers, Omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. Lignans are phytoestrogens, the main one being SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). Intestinal flora convert SDG into enterodiol and enterolactone, which together have stronger estrogenic / antiestrogenic effect than their precursors and along with its potent antioxidant action, benefit women's health.

 

According to Healthline, the benefits of Flaxseed are:

 

“Reduced Cancer Risk

Lignans are plant compounds that have antioxidant and estrogen properties, both of which can help lower the risk of cancer and improve health. Observational studies show that people eating flaxseed have a lower risk of breast cancer, particularly postmenopausal women.

 

Improved Cholesterol

Another health benefit of flax seeds is their ability to lower cholesterol levels. In one study among people with high cholesterol, consuming 3 tablespoons (30 grams) of flaxseed powder daily for three months lowered total cholesterol by 17% and “bad” LDL cholesterol by almost 20%. In postmenopausal women, consuming 30 grams of flax seeds daily lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by approximately 7% and 10%, respectively.

 

Lower Blood Pressure

A Canadian study found eating 30 grams of flax seeds daily for six months lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For those who were already taking blood pressure medication, flax seeds lowered blood pressure even further and decreased the number of patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure by 17%.

 

Lower Blood Sugar

Flaxseed has a blood sugar-lowering effect due to flax seeds’ insoluble fiber content. Research has found that insoluble fiber slows down the release of sugar into the blood and reduces blood sugar.

 

Improved Skin Health

Flaxseed oil may help enhance skin health. One small study had 13 women supplement with flaxseed oil for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, they experienced improvements in skin smoothness and hydration, while skin sensitivity to irritation and roughness had decreased.”

 

 

Sources

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1. Healthline. FlaxSeed. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-flaxseeds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4.   
    

2. PubMed.gov. Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088453/.  
    

3. PubMed.gov. Flaxseed reduces total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in Native American postmenopausal women. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18328014/.  
    

4. PubMed.gov. Flaxseed and its lignan and oil components: can they play a role in reducing the risk of and improving the treatment of breast cancer? Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24869971/.
    

5. Wikipedia. Flaxseeds. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax#Flax_seeds.

 

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Disclaimer

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* Healthline content has been edited for brevity. For the full description, including sources, please visit: Top 10 Health Benefits of Flax Seeds on Healthline.com. 

 

All information on this webpage and website has been sourced and reported “as is” based on public sources. None of the statements on this web site have been evaluated by the FDA. Please read our Disclaimer for further information on the potential health benefits mentioned here.