Flaxseeds are small, dark brown seeds that resemble sesame seeds. They are a highly nutritious food source, and are also made into supplements. The most common flaxseed benefits include reduced cholesterol and increased heart health due the the high omega-3 fatty acid content. Flaxseeds are helpful for treating chronically dry eyes, and they are a rich source of dietary fiber. Whole flaxseeds may also have benefits for women's health.
Flaxseeds and flaxseed supplements are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, also called ALA. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is also found in fish and some types of nuts. Omega-3 is essential to health. It can only be acquired from food, as the body doesn't produce it on its own. Consuming flaxseed benefits health by reducing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, and reducing chronic illness such as heart disease.
The omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed benefits the heart and circulatory system by helping to lower LDL cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol that is harmful to health. Flaxseed also helps raise HDL cholesterol, the healthier cholesterol. Early studies suggest that flaxseed meal may have effects similar to statin drugs for controlling cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to narrowing, hardening, or blocking of the arteries, and it is often a factor in certain types of heart disease.
Sjogren's syndrome is an auto-immune disease that causes the body to attack salivary glands and tear ducts. One uncomfortable symptom of this illness is chronically dry eyes. A daily dose or serving of flaxseed can help alleviate the discomfort caused by eye dryness. Flaxseed also benefits people with dry eyes due to other conditions.
Whole flaxseeds and flaxseed meal contain compounds called lignans, which act as a phytoestrogen. Eating flaxseed daily can help keep estrogen levels balanced. Flaxseed benefits from phytoestrogen are helpful to menopausal and post-menopausal women, who suffer from symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain due to fluctuating estrogen levels. Early studies on lignans also suggest they might also have anti-cancer properties, particularly in reducing breast and colon cancer.
Flaxseed is sold as supplements, oil, whole seeds, or a meal of ground seeds. The supplements are usually powdered flaxseed in tablets or capsules, and the oil is cold-pressed from seeds. Flaxseed products are highly perishable and should be kept in the refrigerator. Each type of flaxseed benefits health, but whole flaxseeds are a richer source of fiber and lignans.
