Health Benefits

Flax is rapidly becoming a wonder grain of health. Flax is a 'miracle that science forgot' for several generations. It has the potential to help heal and prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other degenerative conditions. The health benefits of flaxseed have focused on the body's response to the high content of omega 3 fatty acids and fibers, especially lignan.

Heart Disease

Dietary fiber in flaxseed has been found to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids also have been shown to reduce blood pressure, stroke risk and to increase time for blood clotting.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

The omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed are metabolized to substances that exert an anti-inflammatory response and may have benefit for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural Laxative

The fiber in flaxseed exerts a natural laxative effect.

Diabetes

The fiber in flaxseed has been shown to reduce the blood glucose response to carbohydrate intake in healthy individuals.

More research is needed to determine the effect with diabetics and pre-diabetics.

Menopausal symptoms

Phyto-estrogens from flaxseed, called lignans, may help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. [Source: North Dakota State University]