Flax seed is the byproduct of a flowering plant, and is highly regarded as a health food for its dense nutritional value. Its outer shell is tough, so it must be processed in order to be easily consumed, but this must be done carefully. Any processing that involves heat, even that generated by a spinning blade, can destroy its important fatty acid content. For that reason, cold milled flax seed is preferable for maximum nutritional benefit.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Flax seed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential Omega-3 fatty acid, according to the Mayo Clinic. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that alpha-linolenic acid is crucial to optimal brain function and affects cognitive and behavioral health, growth, development and the prevention of certain diseases. It may also help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis.
Regularity
According to "The Powerfood Nutrition Plan" by Susan M. Kleiner, flax seed is packed with insoluble fibers that increase bowel activity and help fight constipation. The Mayo Clinic states that flax seed may have laxative properties, but also notes that only one successful human trial has been conducted to confirm this effect. It also warns that when consumed in very large amounts, or with insufficient amounts of water, flax seed can actually have the opposite effect, creating obstructive masses in the bowels.
Lower Cholesterol
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that both flax seed and flax seed oil have been found to lower cholesterol in laboratory tests, particularly among those with elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. In "The Wisdom of Menopause," author Christiane Northrup states that a moderate daily intake of flax seed can reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis and other cardiac issues. This effect is due to the water soluble fiber in flax seed, which also reduces triglyceride levels in the bloodstream.
Possible Cancer-Related Benefits
Flax seed contains chemical compounds can lignans, according to the Mayo Clinic, which have antioxidant abilities and may be effective in the treatment of some forms of breast and prostate cancers. The clinic warns, however, that although the research suggests the possibility of a significant connection between flax seed consumption and such treatment, it is not conclusive enough to warrant a medical recommendation. The relevant trials include one study published in October 2004 in the medical journal Cancer Letters, which found that flax seed inhibited breast cancer metastasis in mice. Another study, published in May 2005 in the medical journal Clinical Cancer Research, involved human subjects and found that dietary flax seed may actually reduce tumor growth in patients with breast cancer.
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