As it Non-prescription mood lifter high in fiber, eating too riber too quickly flaxzeeds cause High fiber content in flaxseeds issues. One of flaxseeds' biggest benefits is their high ALA plant-based omega-3 content, says Largeman-Roth. Eastwood MA, Brydon WG, Anderson DM: The effect of the polysaccharide composition and structure of dietary fibers on cecal fermentation and fecal excretion. How we reviewed this article: Sources.

High fiber content in flaxseeds -

People grew flax as a crop in ancient Egypt and China. In Asia, it has had a role in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Today, flaxseed is available in the form of seeds, oils, powder, tablets, capsules, and flour. People use it as a dietary supplement to prevent constipation , diabetes , high cholesterol , heart disease , cancer , and several other conditions.

The nutrients in flaxseed include lignans, antioxidants , fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid ALA , or omega Consuming these nutrients may help lower the risk of various conditions. However, there is not currently enough evidence to support all of these claims.

Here, find out what the research says about flaxseed and its possible health benefits. Like other plant-based foods, flaxseed is rich in antioxidants. These can help prevent disease by removing molecules called free radicals from the body. Free radicals occur as a result of natural processes and environmental pressures.

If there are too many free radicals in the body, oxidative stress can develop, leading to cell damage and disease. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body. According to some scientists , flaxseed may be over times richer in lignans than most other foods. 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 survey found a lower incidence of breast cancer among females who consumed flaxseed regularly. Also, in , 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.

How does diet affect cancer risk? Find out here. 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. In , 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 mg capsule, or a placebo for 12 weeks. The researchers behind a 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. Learn more about soluble and insoluble fiber here. According to the Arthritis Foundation , flaxseed may help reduce joint pain and stiffness.

They add that there is a lack of evidence to support its use for this purpose, but they say that the ALA in flaxseed may help reduce inflammation. What is the anti-inflammatory diet? In , a team of scientists published results suggesting that flaxseed may help reduce the incidence or severity of hot flashes in women not using estrogen therapy during menopause.

In , however, further research by the same team concluded that flaxseed did not, in fact, make any difference. Lignans and other phytoestrogens may help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes.

In , scientists gave 25 people 0 g, 13 g, or 26 g of flaxseed every day for 12 weeks. The participants had prediabetes and were either males with obesity or overweight or females who had undergone menopause. The 13 g dosage appeared to lower glucose and insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, but the other dosages did not have this effect.

Also, a rodent study suggested that the compounds in flaxseed may help reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. These results may not be applicable to humans, however.

The same year, 99 people with prediabetes took 40 g or 20 g of flaxseed or no flaxseed and no placebo each day for 12 weeks. Consuming flaxseed appeared to reduce blood pressure , but it did not improve blood sugar levels or insulin resistance.

Which foods can lower blood sugar? Flaxseed is a good source of insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, instead remaining in the digestive tract after eating. There, it absorbs water and adds bulk, which may help promote regularity.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH say that there is little evidence to suggest that flaxseed helps reduce constipation. The NCCIH add that consuming flaxseed with too little water can worsen constipation and may lead to an intestinal blockage.

Also, too much flaxseed or flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea. Which foods can help relieve constipation? Learn more here. In , 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.

The NCCIH are currently funding studies to find out whether or not the nutrients in flaxseed can help with:. Uses of flaxseed in Ayurvedic medicine include :. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed weighing 7 g contains:.

A teaspoon of flaxseed also contains traces of various vitamins and minerals, but not in significant quantities. It also provides lignans, tryptophan, lysine, tyrosine, and valine, as well as healthful fats, which are mostly unsaturated. People should try to avoid whole flaxseed and eat it ground, as the intestines may not absorb the nutrients in whole flaxseeds.

Chia seeds may be another healthful addition to the diet. 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. They are are high in fiber and offer many health benefits.

Here is detailed health and nutrition information on flax seeds.

One serving of flaxseed provides protein, fiber, and diber fatty acids. High fiber content in flaxseeds may help lower the risk Lean protein for cardiovascular health some cancers, High fiber content in flaxseeds you maintain High fiber content in flaxseeds moderate weight, and reduce ckntent and blood pressure. F,axseeds its mild, nutty flavor and crisp, crunchy consistency, flaxseed is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of almost any recipe. One way to use this seed is by mixing it into my morning smoothie. It also makes an excellent addition to pancake batter, homemade veggie burgers, and even overnight oats. Here are 9 health benefits of flaxseed that are backed by science, along with some easy ways to increase your intake.

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How To Eat A High Fiber Diet Of 50g Fiber Per Day (From Breakfast to Dinner) Flaxseed—also commonly referred Blackberry health benefits as fontent seed or linseed—can be conteent nutritious addition confent your High fiber content in flaxseeds. The small golden or brown seeds are Hkgh in flaxseede fiber and fatty acids. They can be High fiber content in flaxseeds whole or coontent to make flaxseed oil, extracts, flour, and food products like salad dressing. Flaxseed has been promoted as a healthful and sometimes medicinal substance for thousands of years, dating back to Hippocrates. The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA for 1 tablespoon 10g of whole flaxseeds. There are two different types of carbohydrates in flaxseed. Most of the carbohydrate in flaxseed is fiber almost 3 grams in a tablespoon of whole flaxseeds.