Health and Industrial Uses
Flaxseed has been utilized for a variety of health and industrial purposes throughout history. Hippocrates noted its laxative effects, while North American pioneers used flaxseed dressings to treat cuts and burns. The plant's fiber was also transformed into linen, and the oil extracted from its seeds was employed in paints, among other products.
Modern Usage
Today, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are promoted as aids for a range of conditions that affect both digestive and cardiovascular systems. These include conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, and others.
Research into Flaxseed and Heart Health
Numerous studies have been conducted in humans to examine the potential benefits of consuming flaxseed and flaxseed oil on heart and blood vessel health, type 2 diabetes, and menopausal symptoms. The findings from these studies provide valuable insights into the role of this plant-based food in promoting overall well-being.
Flaxseed is a common food ingredient with various health benefits. While it has been used for centuries to improve digestive health, research on its effectiveness for specific conditions is limited. However, there are some potential benefits that may be helpful for certain populations.
One of the main benefits of flaxseed is its high fiber content, which can help to relieve constipation. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in this regard.
According to a 2019 review article, flaxseed may be beneficial for people diagnosed with heart and blood vessel diseases. Although it is not known if flaxseed oil would have the same effect, this suggests that flaxseed may play a role in improving cardiovascular health.
Another benefit of flaxseed is its potential impact on blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Again, it is not clear whether flaxseed oil would have the same effect.
Despite some studies suggesting that flaxseed may help with menopause symptoms, others have had conflicting results. This suggests further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of flaxseed in this area.
At present, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is funding preliminary research on the potential role of flaxseed in inflammation and its effects on gut microbiome. This could provide valuable insights into how flaxseed may benefit our overall health.
When consuming flaxseed or its supplements, it's important to keep in mind some safety considerations. Avoid eating raw or unripe flaxseeds as they may contain potentially toxic compounds. Additionally, it appears that supplementation with flaxseed and flaxseed oil may be well tolerated in limited amounts with few side effects reported.
Flaxseed is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. However, it may be unsafe during pregnancy due to its mild hormonal effects. There is currently no reliable research on the effects of flaxseed on pregnancy outcomes. Some studies suggest that consuming flaxseed oil during the second or third trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of premature births.
Furthermore, there is little information available on whether it is safe to use flaxseed while breastfeeding. Flaxseed should be taken with plenty of water as it can worsen constipation or cause intestinal blockages in rare cases. Additionally, both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.
It's important to talk to healthcare providers about any complementary health approaches you use, including flaxseed. This will help ensure that you make informed decisions together. For more information, consider checking out the NCCIH Clearinghouse.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) offers a variety of information on complementary and integrative health approaches. This includes publications, as well as access to Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. However, it is important to note that the NCCIH Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
For those in the US, you can contact the NCCIH at 1-888-644-6226 or by using a telecommunications relay service (TRS) at 7-1-1. Additionally, you can send an email to info@nccih.nih.gov.
PubMed®， a service provided by the National Library of Medicine, contains publication information and brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. The NCCIH offers guidance on how to use PubMed for finding information about complementary health approaches.
It's worth noting that the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), also provides information on complementary and integrative health approaches.
ODS is an organization that aims to enhance knowledge and comprehension of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research findings, and educating the public. It offers a range of resources, including publications such as the one mentioned above and fact sheets on specific supplement ingredients and products, like vitamin D and multivitamin/mineral supplements.
To contact ODS or learn more about their work, individuals can send an email to ods@nih.gov (link sends email). They provide key references, including the Natural Medicines website for flaxseed and its oil. According to Parikh et al.'s paper, dietary flaxseed can be used to improve human health. The nutrient content of flaxseed has been discussed in various sources, including Thompson et al.'s book, which provides a comprehensive overview of dietary supplements.
