Is flaxseed of benefit for health?

These days everyone wants to take a supplement to improve their health. Nutritionists and alternative care practitioners often recommend flax seed for a variety of reasons. It is known that flax seed is high in fiber, contains omega 3 fatty acids and a number of plant substances known as lignans.

Flax seed is most commonly used to treat constipation and bloating. There is some evidence that it may lower blood cholesterol and thus decreases risk of heart disease.

Flax seed is available either as whole seeds or grounded powder. Adults need to take at least 1 g of flax seed every day for health benefits.

However, for those of you who have never ever tried flax seeds, it is not very appetizing. Most people mix the grounded power in a beverage, take it with hot or cold cereal or mix it in food.

As far as cancer is concerned, there is no evidence that flax seed can prevent any type of cancer. A few non blinded studies showed that flax seeds may reduce risk of prostate cancer but these studies were not poorly controlled and the data reporting was flawed. Today, the role of flax seeds and its preventive role in prostate cancer has not been settled.

Many health food stores have been hyping up exorbitant claims about flax seed and its health benefits- this is simply a business ploy and considered false advertising.

If you have high cholesterol and/or constipation and are too lazy to walk/exercise, then there is no harm in taking flax seeds once in a while.

If you want to reduce risk of any cancer and maintain good health, exercise regularly, stop smoking, eat healthy and get a health check up once a year with a decent health care professional.

Final note: there is no lotion, potion, herb, drink, liquid or tablet out there which can prevent any type of cancer!