It seems as if everyone these days has jumped on the flaxseed wagon. It has become hugely popular among fitness buffs and holistic healers, and the average Joes everywhere… but why? What’s so great about flax anyway?

First things first… What is flaxseed?

Flaxseeds are actually harvested from the same plant that gives us linen, the flax plant (also referred to as linseed plant). That’s right… those sheets on the bed are related to the seeds you sprinkle in your cereal.

Flax is packages in two different varieties… oil and seeds (whole or ground). When it comes to the oil, you can also find it packaged in capsule form.

The major factor that separates flaxseeds from most other harvested seeds is its huge concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and omega-9 nonessential fatty acids. To boost it also has very powerful antioxidants that add to its benefits.

As the words lead you to believe, essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are a necessity to have in your diet. Your body can’t make them… you have to get EFA’s from your diet. Other omega fat sources include: fish, nuts, beans, avocados, and olive oil.

There is more than just fatty acids in those little flaxseeds… there are also B vitamins, potassium, Lecithin, zinc, magnesium and fiber.

What are the benefits of taking flax?

When it comes to flaxseeds there is a long list of health benefits that are believed to be associated with these tiny, brown seeds. I am not going to cover them all… but I will hit upon the benefits that have research behind the claims and that are the most common reasons people take the supplements.

1. Nerve and brain health: The fatty acids help to keep the brain and it’s plumbing healthy. Nerves stay covered with a nice layer of fat… that makes for a happy nervous system.
2. Help regulate blood sugar: Magnesium is an essential (must get it in your food) nutrient that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are under control and not spiking up and down, it is easier to lose weight and decrease fat storage.
3. Weight loss: They have great oxidative abilities to help increase metabolism. With a proper, well-balanced nutrition and workout program weight will come off easier.
4. Heart health: Just like the plumbing of the nervous system, flaxseed also helps the cardiovascular system. It acts to thin the blood to prevent clotting and helps cholesterol.

   Research shows that due to its low- saturated fat content, and its high poly-unsaturated fat… flax is helpful at lowing LDL (bad) cholesterol while having minimal affect on the HDL (good) cholesterol.

5. Skin and hair health: Omega-6 is linked to increased hair growth and maintenance. As well as skin and bone health.
6. Colon health: A study carried out at the University of Toronto showed a 30% increase in bowel movements per week in individuals that took regular doses of flaxseed. Regular movements decrease bloating, constipation, and even lower changes of colon cancer…

Which leads to lucky number 7…

7. Natural cancer fighter: They are a rich source of a chemical called: secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SD)… don’t worry you will not be tested on the word… but know that because of this source, flaxseeds decrease risks of developing certain types of cancers… one being colon cancer.

So what is wrong with flaxseed?

• Research indicates that the oil can interact with prescription drugs by slowing the prescription’s absorption.
• It taste horrid. The seed’s oil has a very distinctive taste that reminds me of fish. In shakes and oatmeal, it will overpower the good flavors. The capsules… of course… are the easiest to handle.

Other than these two pitfalls, there weren’t many negatives I found in my research. Of course… it goes without being said…

I am not a doctor and prior to starting any new drug or supplement it is best to consult your physician.

On a personal note… I have been taking flaxseed for about 4 months now. I used to get bad monthly breakouts but I have not had one pimple since I started. Also, I have noticed that my hair has grown inches (this could be from my laziness of avoiding my 8 week trims though). Overall, it has been positive.

Resources:

The influence of flaxseed and lignans on colon carcinogenesis and ß-glucuronidase activity. Mazda Jenab and Lilian U. Thompson 1 Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Nutritional attributes of traditional flaxseed in healthy young adults. SC Cunnane, MJ Hamadeh, AC Liede, LU Thompson, TM Wolever and DJ Jenkins Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada.

Health-promoting properties of common herbs1,2. Winston J Craig. From the Department of Nutrition, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.

Taylor Ryan, is a certified trainer specialized in women’s fitness. If you’re a woman and want to change your body with proper fitness and nutrition check out Taylor’s Women’s Training Guide.