Flaxseed Oil

Flax seeds: health benefits

 

• It can help prevent cancer

Flax seeds are rich in lignans - compounds of the flax plant that have been studied specifically for their cancer-fighting properties (2). Studies have shown that flax boasts 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods (6).

Therefore, more recent studies have associated the intake of flax seeds with a lower risk of breast cancer, especially for postmenopausal women (7).
 

• It can help lower cholesterol levels

According to one study, it appears that taking 4 tablespoons (30 grams) of ground flaxseed per day lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 15% in people with peripheral artery disease (8).

These effects may be due to the fibers in the flax seeds. Fiber binds to bile salts before it is excreted by your body. To restore these bile salts, bad cholesterol (LDL) is pulled from the blood to the liver, resulting in lower levels (2).
 

• It can lower blood pressure

A review of several studies finds that the introduction of flax seeds into the diet can significantly reduce the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (9).

These aspects can reduce the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease by 14% and 6%, respectively (2).
 

• It can stabilize blood sugar levels

This blood sugar stabilizing effect may be due to the soluble fiber content of this seed.

Research shows that soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar from the blood, which can lower total levels (6).

Note that the benefits of flaxseed for blood sugar control apply more to its pure form rather than flaxseed oil.
 

• It can help in weight loss diets

Several studies suggest that flax seeds can help manage and maintain an appropriate weight (2).

This benefit is probably due to the fact that soluble fibers slow down digestion and promote the feeling of fullness - a useful aspect if you are trying to lose weight.