Flaxseed Benefits and Cautions

Flaxseeds are seeds just a little bit bigger than sesame seeds that have a shiny, hard, smooth shell that can vary in color from yellow to a brown with a reddish tint. Flaxseed has become very popular among those who seek to eat healthier because it is rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fat. The fat is more concentrated flaxseed oil than in the seed form itself. Omega-3 is highly desirable as an anti-inflammatory agent that may ward off diseases and conditions ranging from asthma to osteoporosis. Like any potential miracle product, however, flaxseed has drawbacks to go with its advantages.

One of the most promising benefits of flaxseed is the potential for its use in warding off macular degeneration. A 2001 study conducted at Harvard indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in flaxseed are capable of reducing the risk of developing macular degeneration, a disease in which nerve cells in the eyes are destroyed, leading eventually to blindness. The study suggests there is a lower propensity for developing the disease among those with a high intake of omega-3 than those with a low intake.

One aspect of flaxseed that can be either advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the current needs of the individual is its potency as a stool softener. For those suffering from a case of constipation, clearly the stool softening element of flaxseed is a boon. Anyone not suffering that particular condition, however, should take into consideration this potential.

One of the biggest drawbacks of flaxseed, for men in particular, is the fact that it contains phytoestrogens. These are chemicals that serve to mimic the effect of pure estrogen and the most obvious physical symptom of this is the enlargement of breast tissue in men. The result is a collection of fatty tissue colloquially termed "man boobs." In both men and women there is the potential for phytoestrogen to cause infertility or at least cause a decrease in fertility. The potential for overexposure to phytoestrogen found in flaxseed even extends to the possible development of cancer.

Flaxseed's omega-3 contents can reduce the potential for blood cots to form, which can in turn reduce risks for both heart attacks and stroke. Because omega-3 fatty acids facilitate flexibility in cell membranes, flaxseed is also helpful in preventing diabetes, as it helps allow nutrients to come into the cell while keeping waste out. Flexible membranes also ease the ability of cells to respond efficiently to insulin and glucose absorption.