Benefits of Flaxseed in Heart Disease

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
Published in Nov 2004; Updated in Aug 2006 .

Benefits of Flaxseed - Cholesterol lowering

Flaxseed's high content of alpha linolenic acids has made the ancient it become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Studies showed that flaxseed can lower total and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Flaxseed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. In addition, it may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack.

Other Benefits of Flaxseed

Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flaxseed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type of phytoestrogen and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flaxseed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.

Recent studies also showed positive benefits of flax seed oil in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

Moderately include flax seed in your diet. Indeed, a lot of food products contain flaxseed such as bread, cereal and bakery goods. Bakers may use flax seed flour or include flaxseed in baking.

5 Tips to include flaxseed in home cooking:

Sprinkle ground flaxseed on your cereal and salads
Substitute flaxseed mixture for eggs in home baking such as muffin and pancake (1 tbsp milled flaxseed, plus 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Final products will have less volume and taste gummier
Include in other recipe when nutty flavor is preferred
Substitute flaxseed oil for other oils
Try this Flaxseed cracker recipe provided by the Flax Council of Canada

Further Reading:

• Flaxseed vs. Flaxseed Oil: which one is better?
• High Cholesterol Diet
• Omega 3 fatty acids