The nutritional benefits of flaxseed

Flaxseed has been consumed for thousands of years in European countries by people, and has been used in stock feed in the United States for decades. Flax has reported health benefits in humans in reducing cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. Studies show reduced cancer cell proliferation and improved blood lipid profiles in animal and human studies by apparent synergistic actions of n-3 alpha linolenic acids (ALA), phytoestrogen secoisolarciresinol diglucoside (SDG), and fiber mucilages. Flaxseed as a human food supplement has the potential to improve health in the general population. Development of a printed guide is indicated and appropriate for the lay public to provide education on the subject of the benefits and use of flaxseed.