Flax seed

Possible benefits of flax seed:

• Reducing the risk of cancer
• Improving cholesterol and heart health
• Easing the symptoms of arthritis
• Reducing hot flashes
• Reducing the impact of radiation

Agricultural origin: India

Allergens

• Wheat: possible cross contamination
• Gluten: possible cross contamination
• Egg: absent
• Milk: absent
• Nuts: possible cross contamination

Nutritional values ( per 100 gram from supplier )

• Energy: 2381 Kj / 569 Kcal
• Fat: 41.6 g / of which saturated: 3.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 30.1g / of which sugar: 0.5 g
• Fibers: 27.3 g
• Protein: 18.6 g
• Salt: 0.27 g

Reducing the risk of cancer

Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests that these may help prevent different types of cancer cells from growing. Flaxseed also contains lignans, which are antioxidants that may slow tumor growth by preventing them from forming new blood vessels. One 2013 survey found a lower incidence of breast cancer among females who consumed flaxseed regularly. Also, in 2018, the authors of a review concluded that flaxseed may help reduce the risk of breast cancer after menopause. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen, which is a plant-based nutrient that acts in a similar way to estrogen. There has been some concern that phytoestrogens may increase the risk of breast cancer, but recent research suggests that they may play a protective role.

Improving cholesterol and heart health

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend eating more fiber and omega-3s to boost heart health. Lignans, too, may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Flaxseed contains all of these nutrients. Flaxseed also contains phytosterols. Phytosterols have a similar structure to cholesterol, but they help prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Consuming phytosterols may therefore help reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol in the body. In 2010, researchers looked at the effect of flaxseed on the cholesterol levels of males with moderately high cholesterol. Participants took either a 20 milligram (mg) capsule containing lignans, a 100 mg capsule, or a placebo for 12 weeks. Cholesterol levels fell after taking lignans, especially in those who took the 100 mg capsules. The researchers behind a 2012 study involving 17 people found that consuming flaxseed lowered LDL cholesterol levels and helped the body remove fat, although they note that the overall diet may also play a role. The team suggested that dietary flaxseed may be useful for lowering cholesterol levels. Some scientists have also linked omega-3 oils, which are usually present in oily fish, to reductions in cardiovascular risk. Researchers have suggested that flaxseed could offer an alternative to marine sources of omega 3. This could make it a useful resource for people who follow a plant-based diet.

Easing the symptoms of arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, flaxseed may help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Some people take it for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. 

Reducing hot flashes

In 2007, a team of scientists published results suggesting that flaxseed may help reduce the incidence or severity from hot flashes in women not using estrogen therapy during menopause. 

Reducing the impact of radiation

In 2013, scientists found evidence to suggest that dietary lignans from flaxseed helped mice recover from radiation exposure. The mice that consumed lignans had lower levels of inflammation, injury, oxidative damage, and fibrosis, as well as a better survival rate, compared with those that did not. If further tests in humans show similar results, lignans from flaxseed could help treat lung issues following exposure to radiation or radiation therapy.

Source reference

We have consulted scientific studies to substantiate additional information. You can find the source here: