What are the health benefits of flaxseed?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Flaxseed oil might be a good treatment option for adults and children over age 12 who have gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, flaxseed oil may also help prevent and treat heart disease.Flaxseed oil might be a good treatment option for adults and children over age 12 who have gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, flaxseed oil may also help prevent and treat heart disease. More -
Amaris Noguera answered:Flaxseed (oil or ground) can help prevent heart disease or can promote heart health due to the ALA omega-3 fatty acids flaxseeds contain. While not as rich a source of the widely studied EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, flaxseed can still be part of a healthy, balanced diet. These omega-3's in flaxseed have an anti-inflammatory effect in our bodies. Flaxseeds are also a decent source of manganese, and just 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed provides roughly 20% of your daily dietary fiber needs, which can also play a role in controlling cholesterol levels and promoting heart health.
Flaxseed (oil or ground) can help prevent heart disease or can promote heart health due to the ALA omega-3 fatty acids flaxseeds contain. While not as rich a source of the widely studied EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty... More -
Dr. Lindsey Duncan answered:Flaxseeds contain a good balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Flaxseeds bulk up your stool and help to soothe your colon due to its natural oils. This natural oil found in flax is highly beneficial to your health, but can grow rancid very quickly which is why it's important to get your flaxseed cold-processed (so the heating process doesn't make the oil rancid).Flaxseeds contain a good balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Flaxseeds bulk up your stool and help to soothe your colon due to its natural oils. This natural oil found in flax is highly beneficial to your health, but can grow rancid... More -
Dr. Leo Galland answered:Studies indicate that consumption of flaxseeds may be associated with:
- reduced cholesterol (including the dangerous low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol)
- reduced triglycerides, another risk factor for heart disease
- reduced absorption of sugar from food
- decreased levels of chemicals involved in producing inflammation, like C-reactive protein (CRP)
- increased blood levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the omega-3 fatty acid that boosts mood and fights inflammation
- fiber
- alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat, which accounts for about 20% of the mass of most flaxseeds
- lignans, a group of phenolic anti-oxidants with anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects
Studies indicate that consumption of flaxseeds may be associated with: reduced cholesterol (including the dangerous low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol) reduced triglycerides, another risk factor for heart disease reduced absorption of... More -
Toby Smithson of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as reduce the risk for a heart attack in people with diabetes.
One of the types of Omega 3s is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is produced by leafy green vegetables and can be converted into EPA and DHA by the body. A rich source of ALA is flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts, and walnut oil. Flaxseed contains three beneficial elements which include Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytochemical lignans (plant chemicals that are helpful in the prevention of chronic diseases). Flaxseed is a great option for those who do not like fish, or are looking for alternative food choices to lower their risk for heart disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as reduce the risk for a heart attack in people with diabetes. One of the types of Omega 3s is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is produced by leafy green vegetables... More -
Julieanna Hever answered:Flaxseed is one of the unsung heroes of the nutrition world. In this video, dietitian Julieanna Hever explains why more people should add it to their diets.
Flaxseed is one of the unsung heroes of the nutrition world. In this video, dietitian Julieanna Hever explains why more people should add it to their diets. More
