Description Flaxseed is a plant-based food that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and fiber. It can provide many health benefits. People grew flax as a crop in ancient Egypt and China. In Asia, it has had a role in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Today, flaxseed is available in the form of seeds, oils, powder, tablets, capsules, and flour. People use it as a dietary supplement to prevent constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and several other conditions. The nutrientsTrusted Source in flaxseed include lignans, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or omega-3. Consuming these nutrients may help lower the risk of various conditions. However, there is not currently enough evidence to support all of these claims. Here, find out what the research says about flaxseed and its possible health benefits. Possible health benefits Flaxseed contains some nutrients that may have various health benefits. Like other plant-based foods, flaxseed is rich in antioxidants. These can help preventTrusted Source disease by removing molecules called free radicals from the body. Free radicals occur as a result of natural processes and environmental pressures. If there are too many free radicals in the body, oxidative stress can develop, leading to cell damage and disease. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body. Flaxseed is a good source of lignans, which appear to have antioxidant properties. According to some scientistsTrusted Source, flaxseed may be over 800 times richer in lignans than most other foods.
