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Home » Blog » Personalized Nutrition Contents Health Benefits of Flaxseeds Flaxseed as an Egg Alternative Whole Flaxseed vs Ground Flaxseed How to Buy Flaxseed The Bottom Line.

Not sure what to eat? Learn More. Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD Kristin Kirkpatrick is a nationally recognized registered dietitian, best-selling author, TODAY Show contributor, and member of the Dr. Oz Medical Advisory Board. She served as the lead dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio for 15 years.

Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are easy to use and can be added to a variety of recipes. Here are a few simple ways to increase your intake:. Flaxseed is versatile and easy to add to yogurt, salad, smoothies, baked goods, and numerous other foods.

Ground flaxseed is much easier to digest than whole flaxseed. That said, you can still buy whole flaxseed, grind it in a coffee grinder , and store the ground flaxseed in an airtight container for easy use.

Flaxseed oil is usually produced by a process called cold pressing, which helps extract the oil from the seeds effectively 6. Just 1 tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed contains 1. Many of the health benefits noted in the studies above were observed with just 1 tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed per day.

Ground flaxseed provides the greatest health benefits. If you use flaxseed oil, remember to store it in a cool, dark place and cook with it at low temperatures.

Although flaxseed is associated with many health benefits, there are a few downsides to consider. For starters, keep in mind that ground flaxseed is high in fiber, with 2 grams packed into each tablespoon 7 grams.

While fiber is beneficial, increasing your intake very quickly can lead to digestive issues, including gas and bloating 2 , 30 , Though rare, allergic reactions to flaxseed and flaxseed oil have also been reported 32 , 33 , Additionally, flaxseed may interact with several medications, including blood thinners and antiplatelet medications Because certain flaxseed compounds may mimic the effects of estrogen, those on hormone therapy or with hormone-sensitive cancers should talk with their doctor before adding it to their diet.

Flaxseed is high in fiber and may cause digestive issues if eaten in high amounts. In rare instances, it may also produce an allergic reaction and may interact with certain medications. Flaxseed is rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids and contains several important vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health.

Its nutrients may offer some protection against cancer and help reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Many of the health benefits noted by research involved consuming 1 tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed per day. As it is high in fiber, eating too much too quickly can cause digestive issues. Flaxseed contains many benefits for people of all sexes.

However, certain flaxseed compounds can mimic the effects of estrogen, so it may not be safe for people who have hormone-sensitive cancers or are on hormone therapy or with hormone-sensitive cancers.

Doctors may also recommend avoiding it while you are pregnant or nursing 5. Flaxseed is loaded with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds like lignans, all of which boast many potential health benefits.

This tiny seed may improve digestive health, protect against certain types of cancer, stabilize blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try this today: For a simple way to enjoy flaxseed, try swapping it for other seeds in your favorite recipes.

For instance, flaxseed makes an awesome addition to dishes like granola , yogurt, oatmeal, and trail mix. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Flax seeds are small seeds. They are are high in fiber and offer many health benefits.

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Benefits How to eat Possible risks FAQ Takeaway One serving of flaxseed provides protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Loaded with nutrients. High in omega-3 fatty acids. Explore our top resources. May help protect against cancer. Rich in fiber. May lower cholesterol levels. May reduce blood pressure.

May stabilize your blood sugar levels. May help you manage your weight. Versatile and easy to use.

Several studies have found that flax seeds prevent both diarrhea and constipation 64 , 65 , The insoluble fiber content in flax seeds adds bulk to your digestive waste, acting as a laxative and relieving constipation 32 , Soluble fiber is also thought to bind to water in your digestive tract.

This causes it to swell and increase the bulk of your stool, preventing diarrhea According to the World Health Organization WHO , 1 in 10 adults had diabetes in Studies in people with type 2 diabetes show that supplementing with 10—20 grams of flaxseed powder per day for 1—2 months may reduce fasting blood sugar by up to However, not all studies find flax seeds to be effective in regulating blood glucose and insulin levels Though the link between flax seeds and type 2 diabetes is still unclear, they may be considered a safe and healthy addition to your diet if you have type 2 diabetes Test-tube and animal studies show that flax seeds may suppress the formation of several types of cancer, such as those of the colon, breast, skin, and lungs 73 , Increased blood levels of sex hormones have been linked to an increased risk of several cancers 75 , 76 , Flax seeds may modestly lower serum levels of sex hormones in overweight women, potentially decreasing breast cancer risk 78 , These seeds have also been shown to protect against prostate cancer 80 , Flax seeds may improve digestion by relieving diarrhea and constipation.

They may also reduce fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes and lower your risk of several cancers. Dry flax seeds are usually well tolerated, and allergy is rare Flax seeds naturally contain plant compounds called cyanogenic glycosides.

These substances can bind with sulfur compounds in your body to form thiocyanates. Excessive amounts of thiocyanates may impair the function of your thyroid gland Moderate portions are highly unlikely to cause any adverse effects in healthy individuals.

However, those with thyroid problems should consider avoiding high amounts of flax seeds Though the safe upper limit of flaxseed intake has not been determined, one study concluded that 5 tablespoons 50 grams per day is safe and beneficial for most healthy people Similar to other seeds, flax seeds contain phytic acid.

Phytic acid is often referred to as an antinutrient, as it may reduce the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc For people who are not used to eating a lot of fiber, incorporating flax seeds too quickly can cause mild digestive problems.

These include bloating , gas, abdominal pain, and nausea. Adding flax seeds to your diet may also increase bowel movement frequency, as flax seeds are a natural laxative. Though human studies are limited, many health professionals fear that consuming flax seeds during pregnancy may have undesirable effects.

This is due to the phytoestrogens in the seeds, which may act similarly to the female sex hormone estrogen. This also includes some soy products. Large doses of omega-3 fatty acids may have blood-thinning effects If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners or other medications, consult with your healthcare professional before incorporating large amounts of flax seeds into your diet 89 , Flax seeds may cause mild digestive issues.

They contain plant compounds that may adversely affect some people and are not considered safe for high-dose consumption in early pregnancy. If you want to boost your health with these tiny powerhouses, you can buy them locally or online.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Flaxseed oil is an oil made from pressed, ground flaxseeds. This article explores 6 potential health benefits of flaxseed oil, plus how to use it.

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By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice — Fact checked by Judy Lee — Updated on March 28, How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

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Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest. Nutrition facts. Vitamins and minerals. Other plant compounds. Weight loss. Heart health.

Other health benefits of flax seeds. Adverse effects and individual concerns. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

Mar 28, Written By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice. Share this article. Read this next. By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Chia Seeds vs. Just one serving provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids , along with several important vitamins and minerals.

One tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed contains 2 :. Flaxseed is particularly high in thiamine , a B vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism as well as cell function.

Flaxseed is a good source of many nutrients, including protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamine, and copper. A recent study in 8, people tied increased ALA intake to decreased cholesterol levels and a lower risk of ischemic heart disease — which is related to narrowed arteries — and type 2 diabetes 7.

Numerous studies have also linked ALA to a lower risk of stroke. Flaxseed is rich in ALA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that may offer numerous benefits for heart health. Flaxseed is rich in lignans, which are plant compounds that have been studied for their potent cancer-fighting properties.

Interestingly, this seed boasts 75— times more lignans than other plant foods 6. Some studies associate flaxseed intake with a lower risk of breast cancer, particularly for postmenopausal women Animal and test-tube studies also show flaxseed to protect against colorectal, skin, blood, and lung cancer 12 , 13 , 14 , Flaxseed contains nutrients called lignans that may help decrease cancer growth.

Some studies link this food to a lower risk of several types of cancer, but more research is needed. While soluble fiber absorbs water in your intestines and slows down digestion, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, which may prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements With so much fiber packed into each tiny seed, flaxseed may help promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health.

Flaxseed may also help lower cholesterol levels. A week study in people with high blood pressure had similar findings, reporting that 4 tablespoons 30 grams of flaxseed per day led to significant reductions in body mass index BMI , total cholesterol, and blood pressure These effects may be due to the fiber in flaxseed, which binds to bile salts before being excreted by your body.

To replenish these bile salts, cholesterol is pulled from your blood into your liver, resulting in lower levels Flaxseed is renowned for its ability to decrease blood pressure levels 20 , A review of 15 studies found that supplementing with flaxseed products, including flaxseed powder, may significantly lower levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure — the top and bottom numbers on a reading, respectively This seed may be especially effective for those with high blood pressure levels.

In fact, a small, week study showed that taking 4 tablespoons 30 grams of flaxseed per day reduced blood pressure in those with high levels Furthermore, according to a large review of 11 studies, taking flaxseed daily for more than 3 months may lower blood pressure levels by 2 mmHg Flaxseed may be especially useful for those with high blood pressure, as it may help lower this marker of heart health.

Research shows that soluble fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the blood, which may reduce blood sugar levels 6 , 16 , Keep in mind that the benefits of flaxseed for blood sugar control apply mostly to whole flaxseed rather than flaxseed oil.

This is because flaxseed oil lacks fiber Flaxseed may lower blood sugar due to its soluble fiber content. One older study found that a drink with flax fiber tablets containing 2. In fact, a large review of 45 studies found that supplementing with flaxseed resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and belly fat Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are easy to use and can be added to a variety of recipes.

Here are a few simple ways to increase your intake:. Flaxseed is versatile and easy to add to yogurt, salad, smoothies, baked goods, and numerous other foods. Ground flaxseed is much easier to digest than whole flaxseed.

That said, you can still buy whole flaxseed, grind it in a coffee grinder , and store the ground flaxseed in an airtight container for easy use.

Flaxseed oil is usually produced by a process called cold pressing, which helps extract the oil from the seeds effectively 6. Just 1 tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed contains 1. Many of the health benefits noted in the studies above were observed with just 1 tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed per day.

Ground flaxseed provides the greatest health benefits. If you use flaxseed oil, remember to store it in a cool, dark place and cook with it at low temperatures. Although flaxseed is associated with many health benefits, there are a few downsides to consider.

For starters, keep in mind that ground flaxseed is high in fiber, with 2 grams packed into each tablespoon 7 grams. While fiber is beneficial, increasing your intake very quickly can lead to digestive issues, including gas and bloating 2 , 30 , Though rare, allergic reactions to flaxseed and flaxseed oil have also been reported 32 , 33 , Additionally, flaxseed may interact with several medications, including blood thinners and antiplatelet medications Because certain flaxseed compounds may mimic the effects of estrogen, those on hormone therapy or with hormone-sensitive cancers should talk with their doctor before adding it to their diet.

Flaxseed is high in fiber and may cause digestive issues if eaten in high amounts. In rare instances, it may also produce an allergic reaction and may interact with certain medications. Flaxseed is rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids and contains several important vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health.

Its nutrients may offer some protection against cancer and help reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Many of the health benefits noted by research involved consuming 1 tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed per day.

As it is high in fiber, eating too much too quickly can cause digestive issues. Flaxseed contains many benefits for people of all sexes.

However, certain flaxseed compounds can mimic the effects of estrogen, so it may not be safe for people who have hormone-sensitive cancers or are on hormone therapy or with hormone-sensitive cancers. Doctors may also recommend avoiding it while you are pregnant or nursing 5.

Flaxseed is loaded with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds like lignans, all of which boast many potential health benefits.

This tiny seed may improve digestive health, protect against certain types of cancer, stabilize blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Try this today: For a simple way to enjoy flaxseed, try swapping it for other seeds in your favorite recipes. For instance, flaxseed makes an awesome addition to dishes like granola , yogurt, oatmeal, and trail mix.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Flax seeds are small seeds.