Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The soluble fiber in flaxseed forms a gel in the gut, trapping cholesterol and preventing its absorption. Studies consistently show that flaxseed can significantly lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Furthermore, the ALA omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the arteries and have been linked to lower blood pressure.
The Evidence: A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming flaxseed can lead to notable reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
2. Hormonal Cancers: The Protective Power of Lignans
For cancers like breast and prostate cancer that can be influenced by hormones, flaxseed’s lignans are a game-changer. Lignans can bind to estrogen receptors, potentially blocking the effects of stronger, naturally occurring estrogens that may fuel cancer growth.
The Evidence: Research, including a study in the Journal of Clinical Cancer Research, has found that postmenopausal women consuming flaxseed showed a significant reduction in markers associated with breast tumor growth.
3. Type 2 Diabetes: The Blood Sugar Stabilizer
The immense fiber content in flaxseed is a powerful ally for blood sugar control. Soluble fiber slows down the digestion of sugars and carbohydrates, preventing the sharp spikes and crashes that are so problematic for insulin resistance.
The Evidence: A study in the journal Nutrition Research concluded that adding flaxseed to the diet significantly improved blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes.
