Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritional BenefitsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSources & What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutritional Benefits
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Sources & What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), which is grown worldwide but is especially prevalent in Canada. This flowering plant produces small brown seeds (flaxseeds).
Flaxseeds can be used in whole, ground, or milled forms.Flaxseed oilcan also be used and is the richest plant source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essentialomega-3 fatty acid.
Various other important nutrients are also found in flaxseed, including:
The nutritional profile of flaxseeds has made them a topic of interest among researchers for years. Some studies have shown that flaxseed may benefit digestive issues, heart health, certain skin conditions, symptoms of menopause, and diabetes.
This article will look at the nutritional benefits and potential uses of flaxseed. It will also cover side effects, precautions, dosage, interactions, and ways to consume flaxseed.
Flaxseed FactsActive ingredient(s): Essential and nonessential fatty acids, amino acids, lignans, phenolic acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and mineralsAlternate name(s): Flax, linseed,Linum usitatissimumLegal status:Sold over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:There are no universal dosage guidelines. Dosage may vary depending on the product and reason for use.Safety considerations:Side effects are rare but may include allergic skin reactions.
Flaxseed Facts
Active ingredient(s): Essential and nonessential fatty acids, amino acids, lignans, phenolic acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and mineralsAlternate name(s): Flax, linseed,Linum usitatissimumLegal status:Sold over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:There are no universal dosage guidelines. Dosage may vary depending on the product and reason for use.Safety considerations:Side effects are rare but may include allergic skin reactions.
Flaxseeds are a well-rounded food, containing all three macronutrients and a variety of micronutrients. They’re also rich in beneficial compounds like fiber and various antioxidants.
Bothsoluble and insoluble fiberare present in flaxseeds. These fibers are thought to improve digestion and help you maintain regular bowel movements.
Flaxseeds have been described as a functional food because they are thought to provide health benefits beyond the scope of basic nutrition.
One tablespoon of whole flaxseeds in grams (g), milligrams (mg), and micrograms (mcg) contains:
Other nutrients found in flaxseeds include:
Uses of Flaxseed
Various scientific studies support the use of flaxseed for a range of health conditions.
Flaxseed is thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties due to its many bioactive compounds. Accordingly, flaxseed may be used for:
It’s important to remember, though, that no single food or dietary supplement can cure any condition or disease. To reap the potential health benefits, flaxseed can be added to a well-balanced diet in several ways.
Constipation
Due to its high fiber content, flaxseed may be useful for the treatment ofconstipation.
Flaxseed is made up of 25% soluble fiber and 75% insoluble fiber. 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) withchronic constipationtested 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, decreasedbloating, 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.
Heart Health
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 ofarrhythmias(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 withhigh 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.
Cancer
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 withbreast cancerduring 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 inpostmenopausalwomen.
However, not all research results have been positive. When it comes toprostate 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.
Menopausal Symptoms
Since it contains phytoestrogens, researchers have looked at flaxseed as a potential treatment formenopausalsymptoms, 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 improvedhot flashfrequency and intensity, but not significantly. The review covered other symptoms of menopause as well, includingvaginalatrophy. 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
Diabetes is multifaceted, and flaxseed may be able to help with various aspects of the disease.
In one clinical trial, people withprediabeteswere 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 12-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 withinsulin resistance. Per the studies included in the review, flaxseed supplementation may improvefasting blood sugar,hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
During the 12-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 inbody mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar, cholesterol,triglycerides(a fat in the blood), and constipation compared to those in the placebo group.
What Are the Side Effects of Flaxseed?
Flaxseed side effects are rare. Very few side effects have been reported for flaxseed and flaxseed supplements.
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 duringpregnancy. 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 duringbreastfeedingeither. 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.
How to Consume Flaxseed
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 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.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Flaxseed?
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.
How to Store Flaxseed
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.
Types of Flaxseed & What to Look For
Flaxseed comes in food form or as a dietary supplement.
Food Sources of Flaxseed
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
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.
Chia Seeds vs. Flaxseed: What Makes Each Uniquely Nutritious
Summary
Flaxseeds come from the flax plant and provide many nutritional benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
If you’re considering giving flaxseed a try, talk with a healthcare provider first to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLong-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.Be sure to use flaxseed only as directed and never exceed recommended dosing or intakes.Flaxseed may not be safe for everyone to use.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.Learn More6 Foods to Eat When Breastfeeding According to a DietitianYes, flaxseed and linseed are the same.The Latin name for flaxseed isLinum usitatissimum, and it is also commonly known as linseed.However, flaxseed seems to be the most common term used for the seeds.
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.Be sure to use flaxseed only as directed and never exceed recommended dosing or intakes.
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.
Be sure to use flaxseed only as directed and never exceed recommended dosing or intakes.
Flaxseed may not be safe for everyone to use.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.Learn More6 Foods to Eat When Breastfeeding According to a Dietitian
Flaxseed may not be safe for everyone to use.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.
Flaxseed may not be safe for everyone to use.
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.
Learn More6 Foods to Eat When Breastfeeding According to a Dietitian
Yes, flaxseed and linseed are the same.The Latin name for flaxseed isLinum usitatissimum, and it is also commonly known as linseed.However, flaxseed seems to be the most common term used for the seeds.
Yes, flaxseed and linseed are the same.
The Latin name for flaxseed isLinum usitatissimum, and it is also commonly known as linseed.However, flaxseed seems to be the most common term used for the seeds.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017Nowak W, Jeziorek M.The role of flaxseed in improving human health.Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(3):395. doi:10.3390/healthcare11030395MedlinePlus.Healthy food trends - flaxseeds.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.Mueed A, Shibli S, Korma SA, et al.Flaxseed bioactive compounds: chemical composition, functional properties, food applications and health benefits-related gut microbes.Foods. 2022;11(20):3307. doi:10.3390/foods11203307Flaxseed. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2023.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service.Seeds, flaxseed.Parikh M, Maddaford TG, Austria JA, et al.Dietary flaxseed as a strategy for improving human health.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1171. doi:10.3390/nu11051171Ma J, Sun J, Bai H, et al.Influence of flax seeds on the gut microbiota of elderly patients with constipation.J Multidiscip Healthc. 2022;15:2407-2418. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S379708Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: A randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009Khalesi S, Irwin C, Schubert M.Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials[published correction appears inJ Nutr. 2015 Nov;145(11):2633].J Nutr. 2015;145(4):758-765. doi:10.3945/jn.114.205302Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseeds and breast cancer.Calado A, Neves PM, Santos T, Ravasco P.The effect of flaxseed in breast cancer: a literature review.Front Nutr. 2018;5:4. doi:10.3389/fnut.2018.00004Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseed and prostate cancer risk.Ghazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-283.Javidi A, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Nadjarzadeh A, et al.The effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals: A randomized controlled clinical trial.J Res Med Sci. 2016;21:70. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.189660Villarreal-Renteria AI, Herrera-Echauri DD, Rodríguez-Rocha NP, et al.Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med. 2022;70:102852. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102852Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2018;15:36. doi:10.1186/s12986-018-0273-zKajla P, Sharma A, Sood DR.Flaxseed-a potential functional food source.J Food Sci Technol. 2015;52(4):1857-1871. doi:10.1007/s13197-014-1293-y
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017Nowak W, Jeziorek M.The role of flaxseed in improving human health.Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(3):395. doi:10.3390/healthcare11030395MedlinePlus.Healthy food trends - flaxseeds.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.Mueed A, Shibli S, Korma SA, et al.Flaxseed bioactive compounds: chemical composition, functional properties, food applications and health benefits-related gut microbes.Foods. 2022;11(20):3307. doi:10.3390/foods11203307Flaxseed. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2023.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service.Seeds, flaxseed.Parikh M, Maddaford TG, Austria JA, et al.Dietary flaxseed as a strategy for improving human health.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1171. doi:10.3390/nu11051171Ma J, Sun J, Bai H, et al.Influence of flax seeds on the gut microbiota of elderly patients with constipation.J Multidiscip Healthc. 2022;15:2407-2418. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S379708Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: A randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009Khalesi S, Irwin C, Schubert M.Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials[published correction appears inJ Nutr. 2015 Nov;145(11):2633].J Nutr. 2015;145(4):758-765. doi:10.3945/jn.114.205302Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseeds and breast cancer.Calado A, Neves PM, Santos T, Ravasco P.The effect of flaxseed in breast cancer: a literature review.Front Nutr. 2018;5:4. doi:10.3389/fnut.2018.00004Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseed and prostate cancer risk.Ghazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-283.Javidi A, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Nadjarzadeh A, et al.The effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals: A randomized controlled clinical trial.J Res Med Sci. 2016;21:70. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.189660Villarreal-Renteria AI, Herrera-Echauri DD, Rodríguez-Rocha NP, et al.Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med. 2022;70:102852. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102852Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2018;15:36. doi:10.1186/s12986-018-0273-zKajla P, Sharma A, Sood DR.Flaxseed-a potential functional food source.J Food Sci Technol. 2015;52(4):1857-1871. doi:10.1007/s13197-014-1293-y
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017Nowak W, Jeziorek M.The role of flaxseed in improving human health.Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(3):395. doi:10.3390/healthcare11030395MedlinePlus.Healthy food trends - flaxseeds.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.Mueed A, Shibli S, Korma SA, et al.Flaxseed bioactive compounds: chemical composition, functional properties, food applications and health benefits-related gut microbes.Foods. 2022;11(20):3307. doi:10.3390/foods11203307Flaxseed. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2023.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service.Seeds, flaxseed.Parikh M, Maddaford TG, Austria JA, et al.Dietary flaxseed as a strategy for improving human health.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1171. doi:10.3390/nu11051171Ma J, Sun J, Bai H, et al.Influence of flax seeds on the gut microbiota of elderly patients with constipation.J Multidiscip Healthc. 2022;15:2407-2418. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S379708Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: A randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009Khalesi S, Irwin C, Schubert M.Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials[published correction appears inJ Nutr. 2015 Nov;145(11):2633].J Nutr. 2015;145(4):758-765. doi:10.3945/jn.114.205302Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseeds and breast cancer.Calado A, Neves PM, Santos T, Ravasco P.The effect of flaxseed in breast cancer: a literature review.Front Nutr. 2018;5:4. doi:10.3389/fnut.2018.00004Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseed and prostate cancer risk.Ghazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-283.Javidi A, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Nadjarzadeh A, et al.The effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals: A randomized controlled clinical trial.J Res Med Sci. 2016;21:70. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.189660Villarreal-Renteria AI, Herrera-Echauri DD, Rodríguez-Rocha NP, et al.Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med. 2022;70:102852. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102852Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2018;15:36. doi:10.1186/s12986-018-0273-zKajla P, Sharma A, Sood DR.Flaxseed-a potential functional food source.J Food Sci Technol. 2015;52(4):1857-1871. doi:10.1007/s13197-014-1293-y
Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017
Nowak W, Jeziorek M.The role of flaxseed in improving human health.Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(3):395. doi:10.3390/healthcare11030395
MedlinePlus.Healthy food trends - flaxseeds.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.
Mueed A, Shibli S, Korma SA, et al.Flaxseed bioactive compounds: chemical composition, functional properties, food applications and health benefits-related gut microbes.Foods. 2022;11(20):3307. doi:10.3390/foods11203307
Flaxseed. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2023.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service.Seeds, flaxseed.
Parikh M, Maddaford TG, Austria JA, et al.Dietary flaxseed as a strategy for improving human health.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1171. doi:10.3390/nu11051171
Ma J, Sun J, Bai H, et al.Influence of flax seeds on the gut microbiota of elderly patients with constipation.J Multidiscip Healthc. 2022;15:2407-2418. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S379708
Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: A randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009
Khalesi S, Irwin C, Schubert M.Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials[published correction appears inJ Nutr. 2015 Nov;145(11):2633].J Nutr. 2015;145(4):758-765. doi:10.3945/jn.114.205302
Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseeds and breast cancer.
Calado A, Neves PM, Santos T, Ravasco P.The effect of flaxseed in breast cancer: a literature review.Front Nutr. 2018;5:4. doi:10.3389/fnut.2018.00004
Oncology Nutrition. A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Flaxseed and prostate cancer risk.
Ghazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-283.
Javidi A, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Nadjarzadeh A, et al.The effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals: A randomized controlled clinical trial.J Res Med Sci. 2016;21:70. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.189660
Villarreal-Renteria AI, Herrera-Echauri DD, Rodríguez-Rocha NP, et al.Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med. 2022;70:102852. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102852
Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2018;15:36. doi:10.1186/s12986-018-0273-z
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