Oct 17, 2017 #FlaxFAQ: What are the nutritional benefits of ground flaxseed?

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Flax FAQ: What are the Nutritional Benefits of Ground Flaxseed?

A: Flaxseed is High in Fibre: Flaxseed is full of fibre! It contains both soluble (cholesterol lowering) and insoluble (happy digestive system) fibres. Just 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of ground whole flaxseed contains 4 grams of fibre, which is about 15 percent of the fibre you require daily.

 Flaxseed is a Source of Plant-Based Omega-3 Fats: Omega-3s are a type of fat that we need to eat to stay healthy. They are sometimes called essential fats as our bodies need them but can’t make them so we have to get them from a food source. Research suggests that higher intake of omega-3 fats are associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fats are found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring; nuts especially walnuts, pecans and almonds; seeds especially flaxseed and chia; as well as some vegetable oils including flaxseed, walnut, canola and soybean oils.  The Institute for Medicine recommends that men consume 1.6 grams, women 1.1 grams and children depending on age consumer between 0.5 and 1.2 grams per day.  Two Tbsp (30 mL) of ground flaxseed provides 3.5 g of omega 3, more than twice the daily recommendation. That’s a good thing!

 Flaxseed is One of the Best Plant Sources of Lignans: Lignans are high in antioxidants and help regulate hormone levels. Research indicates that lignans may help to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. A recent study also indicated that woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer who consumed a muffin containing 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of flaxseed, showed a significant reduction in tumour growth than those who ate a muffin containing no flaxseed.  Flaxseed may also reduce hot flashes in menopausal woman!  Flaxseeds contain over 75 times more lignans than other plant foods.