I also wonder if the fragile nutrients in flax seeds are broken down by heat, like during baking. I like to eat them freshly ground every morning. Yes, you do. The best way to reap the health benefits of flax seeds every day is to grind them fresh and add them to your food, such as cereal or salad.

Cynthia Bailey, Dermatologist and Skin Wellness Expert. In the future there may be drugs and supplements to treat diseases using extracts that concentrate the active components of flax seeds. I always prefer getting nutrients by eating whole foods rather than taking supplements because processing involves steps that can alter and destroy fragile nutrients.

Both animal and human studies provide evidence that eating flax seeds and their important nutrients are safe. Only pregnant women need to exercise caution in the amount of flax seeds they eat.

If you have questions, of course ask your doctor. To sum it up: Adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seed meal to your daily diet is a simple and inexpensive way to help you fight cancer, heart disease and inflammation and to age gracefully.

Adolphe JL, et. Bassett CM, et. Ansenberger K, et. All Skin Care Kits Cleanse Correct Hydrate Protect. Acne Anti-Aging Dry Skin Eczema Facial Redness Family Skin Care Hand Dermatitis Hyperpigmentation Rosacea Seborrheic Dermatitis Sensitive Skin. Overview Cleanse Products Correct Products Hydrate Products Protect Products.

Search Need help finding something in Dr Bailey's Store? After four weeks, flaxseed oil increased the frequency of bowel movements and improved stool consistency.

Also, it was found to be as effective as both olive oil and mineral oil However, research on the effects of flaxseed oil on constipation and diarrhea is currently limited to animal studies and studies on people with specific conditions.

Summary: Some animal and human studies have shown that flaxseed oil may help treat both constipation and diarrhea, but further research is required. Flaxseed oil may also help enhance skin health.

One small study had 13 women supplement with flaxseed oil for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, they experienced improvements in skin smoothness and hydration, while skin sensitivity to irritation and roughness had decreased Mice with dermatitis were given flaxseed oil for three weeks.

The oil was shown to decrease symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as redness, swelling and itching However, no studies have looked at the benefits of applying flaxseed oil to the skin of people.

Nevertheless, there are numerous anecdotal reports of improvements in smoothness and reduced irritation after applying flaxseed oil. Summary: Animal and human studies show that supplementing with flaxseed oil could help improve skin smoothness and hydration, while also treating certain skin conditions like dermatitis.

Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acid content, some research shows that flaxseed oil may help reduce inflammation in certain populations. However, one analysis of 20 studies showed that flaxseed oil did not have an effect on inflammation in the general population.

Nevertheless, it significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein, a marker used to measure inflammation, in obese people An animal study also found that flaxseed oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties While it seems that flaxseed oil may affect people differently, more research is needed to determine its effects on inflammation for the general population.

Summary: Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, additional research is needed. One of the best things about flaxseed oil is its versatility. For starters, it can easily be swapped for other types of oil in salad dressings, dips and sauces.

You can also add one serving one tablespoon or 15 ml into smoothies or shakes to add some flaxseed oil into your diet with minimal effort. Keep in mind that flaxseed oil should not be used for cooking, as it does not have a high smoke point and can form harmful compounds when exposed to high heat In addition to being used in food, flaxseed oil can be applied to the skin to enhance skin health and increase skin moisture.

Summary: Flaxseed oil can be used in place of other types of oil, added to smoothies and shakes or applied directly to the skin and hair.

It can be used as a replacement for other types of oils, added to foods or applied to your skin and hair. Including just one or two servings of flaxseed oil in your daily routine is easy and could have numerous benefits for your overall health.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Both flaxseed oil and fish oil are promoted for their health benefits, but you may wonder whether one is more beneficial.

This article explores the…. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients. Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen…. Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy.

You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart. Here are 12…. Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy.

It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements…. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones. It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli.

L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body. It may also be taken as a supplement to help boost exercise performance, lower blood…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Nutrition Evidence Based 6 Benefits of Flaxseed Oil — Plus How to Use It. By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on October 25, High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Share on Pinterest. May Help Reduce Cancer Cell Growth.

Due to its high fiber content, flaxseed may be useful for the treatment of constipation. While soluble fiber enhances the gut microbiome, insoluble fiber increases the bulk of stools, two factors that may help prevent constipation. A small clinical trial in older adults average age of 68 with chronic constipation tested the effectiveness of flaxseed.

Study participants took 50 g of flaxseed daily for one month and recorded bowel habits. Stool samples were also collected before and after the trial. Flaxseed treatment significantly increased the number of bowel movements, decreased bloating , and improved the diversity of bacteria in the gut.

In another human trial, flaxseed was compared to lactulose a stool softener for constipation. For four weeks, 90 study participants used either 50 g of flaxseed flour or 15 milliliters ml of lactulose daily.

While both treatments improved constipation symptoms, flaxseed flour increased bowel movement frequency more than lactulose. Although research on flaxseed for heart health is limited, some studies suggest that it may help with issues like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

According to one review, the essential fatty acids, lignans, and fiber in flaxseeds may account for heart benefits. These benefits may include antihypertensive, anti-atherogenic anti-plaque formation , cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the inhibition of arrhythmias abnormal heartbeat.

However, research results confirming these effects have been conflicting. A review of clinical trials concluded that flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure, but only slightly.

However, researchers believe that even a small reduction in blood pressure may be beneficial for certain people, especially those with high blood pressure hypertension. It's worth noting, too, that both whole and ground flaxseed may be more effective than flaxseed oil in producing these results.

More research should be conducted to further prove flaxseed's role in heart health. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen a plant compound that acts similarly to estrogen in flaxseed. Because of the potential for lignans to influence estrogen receptors in the body, flaxseed has been studied for its potential role in certain hormone-related cancers.

It is thought that flaxseed can provide additional protective effects when taken along with the standard of care treatment. In animal studies, pairing flaxseed with tamoxifen a medication sometimes used for breast cancer reduced tumor size. However, there have been no clinical trials on the benefits of flaxseed ingestion in humans with breast cancer during tamoxifen therapy.

The review also found that flaxseed may inhibit the growth of estrogen-receptor-positive ER-positive breast cancer and lead to an overall reduced breast cancer risk, especially in postmenopausal women.

However, not all research results have been positive. When it comes to prostate cancer , it is unclear if flaxseed plays a role. Some studies have even found that lignans may increase the risk of prostate cancer. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that people with breast cancer only use flaxseed in amounts found in foods and avoid using flaxseed supplements.

The same goes for people with prostate cancer. Overall, whether flaxseed can help with certain types of cancer remains unclear. More research is needed. Since it contains phytoestrogens, researchers have looked at flaxseed as a potential treatment for menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes.

Research results have been mixed, with some studies reporting positive effects of flaxseed and others reporting no effects at all. According to one review, flaxseed improved hot flash frequency and intensity, but not significantly.

The review covered other symptoms of menopause as well, including vaginal atrophy. But flaxseed did not show conclusive, positive effects for other menopause symptoms.

More definitive results will be needed to determine whether flaxseed can treat menopause symptoms. Diabetes is multifaceted, and flaxseed may be able to help with various aspects of the disease.

In one clinical trial, people with prediabetes were randomized to receive a placebo an intentionally ineffective treatment , 40 g per day of flaxseed powder or 20 g per day of flaxseed powder. At the end of the week study, fasting blood sugar was decreased in all groups.

The most significant decrease was in the group who took 40 g of flaxseed daily. However, flaxseed did not provide any benefits for insulin resistance when cells don't respond well to the hormone insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in the blood, and can't take up glucose, or sugar, from the blood, causing a glucose buildup.

Although, a systematic review found that flaxseed may indeed help with insulin resistance. Per the studies included in the review, flaxseed supplementation may improve fasting blood sugar , hemoglobin A1c HbA1c , and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Another small study took a different approach by looking at how flaxseed may affect constipation, weight, blood sugar control, and lipid levels in people with type 2 diabetes. During the week study, some participants consumed cookies that contained 10 g of flaxseed, while others consumed cookies containing no flaxseed two times a day.

At the end of the study, those who consumed the flaxseed cookies had significant improvements in body mass index BMI , fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides a fat in the blood , and constipation compared to those in the placebo group.

Flaxseed side effects are rare. Very few side effects have been reported for flaxseed and flaxseed supplements. There have been some reports of allergic skin reactions caused by flaxseed. Using flaxseed improperly may also cause worsening constipation or intestinal blockage.

However, limited safety studies have been performed on flaxseed, so more side effects may be possible. To prevent any possible side effects, use flaxseed only as directed.

Flaxseed is thought to be safe for most people, but some may need to avoid it. It is unclear if flaxseed is safe during pregnancy. There is some concern that flaxseed may cause hormonal changes that could be unsafe for the health of the pregnancy. For this reason, it's best to avoid using flaxseed during pregnancy.

There isn't much data on whether flaxseed is safe during breastfeeding either. It is believed to be safe, but it's best to talk with a healthcare provider if you plan to use flaxseed while breastfeeding.

Of course, you should avoid using flaxseed if you know you are allergic to it. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider before adding flaxseed to your routine, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

If you're considering using flaxseed or flaxseed supplements for health benefits, you may be wondering how much to take. Flaxseed hasn't been approved by the FDA or other U. governing agencies to treat any health condition.

Therefore, there aren't any dosage guidelines for flaxseed products. Flaxseed dosage may depend on the product or type of product you're using. For example, you may need to take more ground flaxseed than whole flaxseed simply due to the difference in the density of the two forms.

If you decide to use flaxseed in its food form rather than as a supplement, there are many ways to use it. Whole flaxseeds may be added as a topping to various snacks and dishes, like yogurt parfaits, smoothies, soups, and salads.

Ground flaxseeds can easily be added to food when baking. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water when you consume whole flaxseeds due to their high fiber content. Even though flaxseed is generally considered safe, it may be possible to take too much. Despite a lack of reliable information, taking too much flaxseed may increase the risk of side effects.

For example, consuming large amounts of flaxseed, especially without water, may cause constipation or an intestinal blockage. There are also limited reports of toxic compounds in raw or unripe flaxseeds. Toxic effects may be more likely if you consume flaxseed in large amounts.

To be safe, avoid consuming more than the recommended dose or serving size. Flaxseed and flaxseed supplements may interact with certain medications, foods, and other herbs and supplements. However, possible interactions are not well documented. It's best to talk with a healthcare provider before using flaxseed if you take any prescription medications or other supplements.

It is also essential that you carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.

Please review supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Flaxseed does not require refrigeration, but you should store it in a cool, dry place. Flaxseed should also be kept out of direct sunlight. This goes for whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, and flaxseed supplements.

It's best to keep flaxseed products in an airtight container to maximize freshness their original packaging is usually recommended. Flaxseeds should also be kept out of reach of pets and small children who could accidentally consume too much.

Discard flaxseeds once they show signs of spoilage or pass their expiration date. Flaxseed comes in food form or as a dietary supplement. If possible, take a food-first approach and use natural flaxseeds rather than flaxseed supplements.

Flaxseeds are considered safest when used in amounts commonly found in foods, which means you may be less likely to experience side effects by staying within a standard range. Also, flaxseed supplements may not contain the same amount of fiber and other nutrients as whole or ground flaxseeds.

Flaxseeds may be consumed in whole form, ground, or added to various recipes and products. If you're using flaxseeds at home, you may consider adding them to smoothies, yogurt, salads, soups, or other dishes. Whole or milled flaxseeds may be added to batters, doughs, and other baked goods.

A mixture of flaxseeds and water can also serve as an egg substitute for vegans or vegetarians who like to bake. Products containing flaxseeds include breads, cookies, muffins, snacks, and energy bars.

These products can be purchased online or in grocery stores. Flaxseed supplements are available online or in various health food stores. Several grocery stores carry flaxseeds and flaxseed supplements as well. Keep in mind that most flaxseed supplements contain flaxseed oil rather than flaxseeds.

However, you can find flaxseed powders and flours that are made from whole flaxseeds rather than flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil supplements are typically sold as capsules and soft gels.

If you go the supplement route, remember that supplements are largely unregulated in the United States. Whenever possible, choose supplements that have been reviewed and approved by agencies like USP, ConsumerLab, and NSF.

These third-party agencies perform rigorous supplement reviews to ensure product labels are accurate and that no contaminants are present.

Flaxseeds come from the flax plant and provide many nutritional benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

Many people use flaxseeds for their purported health benefits, which include heart health, gut health, and diabetes management. While some flaxseed uses are supported by scientific evidence, more research is needed in many areas.

If you're considering giving flaxseed a try, talk with a healthcare provider first to ensure it's the right fit for you. Long-term studies have not been performed on flaxseed use. However, flaxseed is generally considered safe, especially when used in normal amounts. Very few side effects have been reported.

It's recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using flaxseed due to potential hormonal changes that may occur. There also isn't much reliable information regarding the safety of flaxseed use while breastfeeding. For this reason, it's best that you talk with a healthcare provider before using flaxseed if you're breastfeeding.

The Latin name for flaxseed is Linum usitatissimum , and it is also commonly known as linseed. However, flaxseed seems to be the most common term used for the seeds. One tablespoon 7 grams of ground flaxseed contains:. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen, a group of compounds that are linked to a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer.

Lignans also have antioxidant properties, meaning they protect your cells from damage. Flax seed happens to boast 75— times more lignans than other plant foods! Flax is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which absorbs water and slows down digestion. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol , stabilize blood sugar levels, and lower the risk of heart disease.

A popular question surrounding flaxseed is if it shows benefits for both skin and hair health. Research has found that women with sensitive skin may experience skin improvement by incorporating flax oil in their diet.

Additionally, research has supported the positive effects that flaxseeds have on aging skin because of their anti-inflammatory benefits. If you decide to go the oil route, flax oil is full of fatty acids, but it lacks the fiber boost of flaxseed.

The best way to make sure that your body is taking advantage of all the beneficial components of flax is to go with the ground! Although there are many health benefits to flax seed consumption, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. For one, ground flaxseed is high in fiber, with 2 grams packed into each tablespoon.

While fiber is beneficial, increasing your intake very quickly can lead to digestive issues, including gas and bloating. Always be sure to drink plenty of water with your flax seed!

Medical professionals also advise to exercise caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or dietitian about the use of flaxseeds. You should also ask your doctor first if you have hormone-related cancers, such as ovarian or breast cancer, since flax contains phytoestrogens.

The Healthiest Fast Food Menu Items. The 7 Healthiest Cheeses to Eat Right Now.