Flaxseed - Health Benefits and Uses

Flaxseed is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement to promote heart health, gut health, and hormonal balance.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available at health food stores and supermarkets.
Benefits
Heart health, Gut health, Hormonal balance
Source
Plant-based
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Flaxseed FAQ


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What is flaxseed used for?

This flowering plant produces small brown seeds (flaxseeds). Flaxseeds can be used in whole, ground, or milled forms. Flaxseed oil can also be used and is the richest plant source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Various other important nutrients are also found in flaxseed, including:

Where does flaxseed come from?

The flax plant, which was first grown in Egypt, is where flaxseeds originate from; they’re found in the plant’s delicate blue flowers. This plant can also be woven into linen and, believe it or not, its fibres are reportedly two to three times stronger than cotton. Traditionally, flax plants were mainly used to produce clothing.

Why do people eat flaxseed?

In turn, regular bowel movements can help keep the body regularly detoxed. It can also promote digestive health by feeding the good bacteria in the gut. 6 Because of its high fibre content, flaxseed has prebiotic properties, and is broken down in the gut where it provides the gut's microbiome with good bacteria.

What are flax seeds?

Flaxseeds are the edible seeds of the flax plant, which is otherwise known by its botanical name of Linum usitatissimum. These seeds may also be referred to as linseed ( 1 ). Two primary types of flaxseed are available: brown flax and golden/yellow flax.

Flaxseed References

If you want to know more about Flaxseed, consider exploring links below:

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