FLAXSEED/LINSEED

PRODUCT INFORMATION 

BENEFITS 

Cancer protection

Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids. These are thought to disrupt the growth of cancer cells and to prevent their development. Consuming omega-3 oils may help protect against different types of cancer.

It also contains lignans. Lignans are thought to have antiangiogenic properties. This means they stop tumors from forming new blood vessels. The lignan content of flaxseed is thought to be over 800 times higher than that of other foods.

The lignans in flaxseed may help it protect against a variety of cancers, especially if consumed for life as a part of a healthful diet and lifestyle.

The lignans flaxseeds contains may help protect against cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.  Phytosterols are molecules that are similar in structure to cholesterol, but they help prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. Eating foods that contain these nutrients may help reduce the levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, in the body.
 

Helps hot flashes?

In 2005, a study of 30 women suggested that consuming 40 g a day of flaxseed may help reduce the incidence or severity of hot flashes in women who are not using estrogen therapy during menopause.

A study of 188 women, published in the journal Menopause, found that a daily intake 40 g of flaxseed, representing 400 mcg of lignans, improved the symptoms of hot flashes by around half.

Improving blood sugar

The lignans and other phytoestrogens are thought to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, because of an anti-inflammatory effect.

In a small study published in 2013, scientists gave 25 people 0 g, 13 g or 26 g of flaxseed every day for 12 weeks. The participants had prediabetes, and they were either men with obesity or overweight or women who had undergone menopause.

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 movement through the gut regular.