FLAX: HOW NUTRITION PROFESSIONALS RATE ITS HEALTH BENEFITS, NUTRITIONAL VALUE, AND MORE

Perspective from Faith Seke

PhD, Agronomy and Crop Science (ongoing), Master's degree, Food Science and Technology · 1 years of experience · South Africa

Benefits

  • Flax is high in lignans which may provide some protection against cancers by blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism and interfering with the growth of tumors.
  • Flax is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid which help in regulating the heart rate.

Side Effects

  • The addition of flax to the diet everyday in high doses may induce increased bowel movements, it can also cause bloating, gas, stomach pains and nausea.

→ Flax: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.

→ Love Flax? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more

Perspective from Livia Dickson Chen

PhD in Nutrition · 11 years of experience · Brazil

Benefits

  • Flax helps prevent metabolic syndrome. Flax can improve anthropometric, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters. Flax is nutritious with a good amount of protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids, in addition is rich in some vitamins and minerals.
  • Flax may reduce cancer risk. Flax contains 800 times more lignans than other plant foods. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen antioxidant compound with antiangiogenic properties, which means they may stop tumors from forming new blood vessels and growing. Flax also contains omega-3 fatty acids that inhibited tumor incidence and growth.
  • Flax relieves arthritis symptoms. As flax is rich in bioactive compounds, it helps reduce inflammation which consequently reduces pain and stiffness.
  • Flax is effective in wight loss. The soluble fiber present in flax becomes highly sticky when mixed with water, forming a gel-like that slows the emptying of the stomach which leads a feeling of fulness, suppressing hunger and cravings, promoting weight loss.

Side Effects

  • Individuals taking blood thinner warfarin should consult with their healthcare practitioner before increasing their flax intake because large doses of omega-3 fatty acid may have blood-thinning effects.
  • Flax should be consumed with caution during pregnancy because of undesirable risks. It is due the phytoestrogen and lignans which can cause lower birth weight and affect the development of the offspring's reproductive system.
  • Individuals which consume flax without drink plenty of fluid may have digestive problem such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and nausea. It is because flax is rich in fiber, and fiber need to water to form a gel-like.
  • Flax has cyanogenic glycosides which in excessive amounts may impair the function of thyroid gland. 50 grama per day is safe and beneficial.

→ Flax: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.

→ Love Flax? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more

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This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-03-28T12:13:58Z dg43tfdfdgfd