Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) have come under the spotlight recently due to their high content of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.[1,2,3] They are also rich in amino acids—arginine and glutamine—that prevent heart disease and boost immunity.[4,5]
Studies also suggest that flaxseeds can prevent diarrhea and constipation.[6,7,8] A research found that when 10gm to 20gm of flaxseed powder was given to people with type 2 diabetes daily, their fasting blood sugar levels were reduced by 19.7 percent.[9,10]
Lab and animal studies have shown that flaxseeds can suppress the formation of several types of cancers such as breast, colon, skin and lung cancer.[11,12] The fiber present in them can suppress hunger pangs and aid weight loss.[13,14]
Flaxseeds For High Cholesterol
Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood are a well-known risk factor for heart disease. This is particularly true about oxidized LDL-cholesterol.[15]
Clinical studies show that daily consumption of flaxseeds can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol levels by nine to 18 percent.[16,17,18,19]
Animal studies support the fact that flaxseeds could lower cholesterol levels and improve the composition of blood fats.[20,21,22,23]
Flaxseeds can safely be had with other cholesterol-lowering medicines. In a study that lasted a year, flaxseeds caused an additional 8.5 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol when compared to those who did not eat flaxseeds.6,7 This cholesterol-lowering effect is attributed to the high fiber and lignan content in flaxseeds.
The lignans and fiber bind with cholesterol-rich bile acids and carry them down the digestive tract. This helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body.6,7
How To Take It
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of flaxseeds on your morning bowl of oatmeal or cereal.
- Or, add a handful to your fresh juice or smoothie. Here’s how you can make a delicious smoothie with leafy greens & flaxseeds.
For more interesting stories, visit our Health page and read about other Natural Remedies here.
Read More:
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References:
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2. Singh KK, Mridula D, Rehal J, Barnwal P. Flaxseed: a potential source of food, feed and fiber. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Mar;51(3):210-22. doi: 10.1080/10408390903537241. Review. PubMed PMID: 21390942.
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7. Xu J, Zhou X, Chen C, Deng Q, Huang Q, Yang J, Yang N, Huang F. Laxative effects of partially defatted flaxseed meal on normal and experimental constipated mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Mar 9;12:14. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-14. PubMed PMID: 22400899; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3353840.
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2007 Sep;232(8):1071-80. PubMed PMID: 17720953.
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controlled trials. Obes Rev. 2011 Sep;12(9):724-39. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00895.x. Epub 2011 Jun 16. Review. PubMed PMID: 21676152.
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