what is flax

Flax is the seed of a plant called Linum usitatissimum, and is also known as Flax Seed, Alasi, Aliviraaii, Brown Flaxseed, Brown-Seeded Flax, Echter Lein, Flachssamen, Flax Hull, Flax Lignans, Gemeiner Flachs, Graine de Lin, Kattan, Keten, Leinsamen, Lignans, Lin, Oléagineux, Lin Textile, Linaza, Lini Semen, Linho, Lino, Linseed, Lint Bells, Linum, Malsag, Phytoestrogen, Ta Ma, Tisii, Winterlien, and other names. Flax Seeds Are Rich in Dietary Fiber. A hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS). Flaxseed is an herbal supplement used to treat constipation (chronic), enlarged prostate (oil), cancer (prevention), diabetes, diverticulitis, inflammation of the small intestine and/or the stomach, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, myocardial infarction prevention (oil), skin inflammation, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Eating a flaxseed muffin daily for 3 months or taking flaxseed powder daily for 2 months seems to reduce breast pain that occurs at the start of the menstrual cycle. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of lignan, an estrogen-like chemical compound that scavenges the f… Flaxseed oil contains the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Breast pain (mastalgia). Colon cancer, rectal cancer. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. But it's unclear which form or dose of flaxseed works best. It may improve heart, skin, gut, and brain health, though much more research is required. It's also unclear if dietary flaxseed reduces the risk of breast cancer. Flax seeds were grown over 5 000 years ago in temperate and tropical areas, where they were used for different purposes. Tiny but mighty, flax seeds are nutritional powerhouses that prove great things come in small (and budget-friendly!) Follow all directions on the product label and package. Taking whole or ground flaxseed by mouth seems to improve kidney function in people with SLE. Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Eating flaxseed in muffins or other foods seems to increase bowel movements in young adults and people with diabetes. What Are the Benefits of Flaxseed Lignans?. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Jan 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Jan 2021) and others. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Early research shows that taking brown milled flaxseed daily for 12 weeks and making lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of fat and damage in the liver in adults with liver disease. Some people call it a “functional food,” which means that … Although not all side effects are known, flax is thought to be likely safe for most people when taken by mouth. Version: 5.01. atorvastatin, prednisone, simvastatin, MiraLAX, Lipitor, rosuvastatin, Crestor, estradiol, ezetimibe, Colace. The fine, light-colored textile fiber obtained from this plant. People eat more flaxseed and other lignan-containing foods don't seem to have a lower risk of heart disease. without commercial influence. Cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Early research shows that using a warm poultice containing boiled flaxseeds on the hands might help to reduce pain in people with hand osteoarthritis who are also taking their regular medications. Hemodialysis often results in abnormal cholesterol levels and inflammation. Swelling (inflammation) of the kidneys in people with lupus. Avoid using flax together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others. It might also work for people with normal cholesterol levels. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Flaxseeds are the golden yellow to reddish brown seeds of flax. … Each branch is tipped with 1 or 2 delicate blue flowers that bloom from February through September. Flaxseed oil doesn't have these phytoestrogens.Flaxseed can be used whole or crushed, or in a powder form as meal or flour. Taking flaxseed by mouth seems to help reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. packages. If you choose to use flax, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. The tough fibers of the latter, after the decay and removal of the softer woody and gummy material, make up the crude "flax." any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus Linum, esp L. usitatissimum, which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family Linaceae the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics any of various similar plants Flaxseed is a plant-based food that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and fiber. It is not certain whether flax is effective in treating any medical condition. Flaxseed oil supplements are typically taken for their omega-3 fatty acid content and they are generally used to boost cardiovascular health. Diabetes. A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Early research shows that taking milled flaxseed daily doesn't improve blood sugar levels in adults with prediabetes. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking flax at least 2 weeks ahead of time. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Could Benefit Heart Health. Flax is often sold as an herbal supplement. If you are looking for an egg substitute to replace flax seeds, you have several options available aside from chia seeds. A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this product. Obesity. But other studies show that it doesn't work any better than taking a sugar pill. Early research shows that taking 24 grams of whole or ground flaxseed daily for 4 weeks doesn't improve quality of life or the severity of symptoms in people with IBS. The seed from flax is full of disease-fighting compounds, including omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fibre, lignans (which are … Plants cultivated for seed are shorter and many-branched. Research suggests that blood levels of lignans, which are found in flaxseed and other foods, are not associated with endometrial cancer risk. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Before using flax, talk to your healthcare provider. Flax is a food and fiber crop that came from Southern Europe and Asia. Like flax seeds and chia, it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that consuming 40 grams of ground flaxseed daily for up to one year doesn't improve bone density in women. Flax definition is - any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs; especially : a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Heart disease. Flaxseeds also contain oil and soluble fibre. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Prostate cancer. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you The health benefits of flax seeds come from the high amounts of fiber, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids present in it. But other research suggests that it is. Eating ground flaxseed might help to reduce the inflammation in the colon and improve symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis. What Is Flaxseed Oil? Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Similar findings were found for older men and women who took flaxseed extract. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Find out here. Flax may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. People who eat more phytoestrogens, such as those found in flaxseed, might have a lower risk of lung cancer than those who eat less. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow. Other drugs may interact with flax, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. A widely cultivated plant, Linum usitatissimum, having pale blue flowers, seeds that yield linseed oil, and slender stems from which a textile fiber is obtained. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Prediabetes. Flaxseed also seems to reduce inflammation in people on hemodialysis. Flax is one of the oldest and most exotic plants, whose origins are in Mesopotamia. Lung cancer. interactions or adverse effects. Taking flaxseed along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Flaxseed is a top source of particularly health-protective … Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. Several studies have found that flaxseed oil could benefit heart health. Benefits of Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal. Research on the effect of flaxseed on colorectal cancer risk is inconsistent. But it does seem to lower levels of the hormone testosterone and slow the rate at which cancer cells multiply. Taken before a meal, flaxseed fiber seems to make people feel less hungry, so that they might eat less food. Avoid using flax together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment It's unclear if flaxseed is beneficial for metabolic syndrome. The fiber in flaxseed is found primarily in the seed coat. You can buy flaxseed in bulk — whole or ground — at many grocery stores and health food stores. There is a small difference in using the terms flaxseed and linseed. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Flaxseed might slow blood clotting. Tracking COVID-19: See Our Interactive Map, Get the Latest Coronavirus News & Updates, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Boost Your Energy Levels With Chronic ITP. When you grind the glossy brown seeds, you unlock the nutritional benefits they carry. But flaxseed may lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) in adults with this condition. It seems to work the best in people with high cholesterol. Flax is the seed of a plant called Linum usitatissimum, and is also known as Flax Seed, Alasi, Aliviraaii, Brown Flaxseed, Brown-Seeded Flax, Echter Lein, Flachssamen, Flax Hull, Flax Lignans, Gemeiner Flachs, Graine de Lin, Kattan, Keten, Leinsamen, Lignans, Lin, Oléagineux, Lin Textile, Linaza, Lini Semen, Linho, Lino, Linseed, Lint Bells, Linum, Malsag, Phytoestrogen, Ta Ma, Tisii, Winterlien, … However, research has shown that flax may not be effective in treating this condition. The flax plant is a slender annual that grows to 0.3 to 0.9 m in height. Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). These seeds are usually golden yellow to reddish-brown in colour and contain phytoestrogens, which is very similar to estrogen. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Another name for flaxseed oil is linseed oil. It is also a good and certified source of dietary fiber. Taking flaxseed might improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fiber. Other research shows that eating ground flaxseed reduces menopausal symptoms similarly to hormone therapy. But taking flaxseed doesn't seem to improve markers of metabolic syndrome when used along with lifestyle modifications compared to just following lifestyle modifications. The therapeutic and health benefits of flax seeds are popular around the world. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. For professional medical information on natural Other drugs may interact with flax, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Other uses not proven with research have included enlarged prostate, heart disease, constipation, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, weight loss, diverticulitis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer (prostate, breast, lung, endometrial), and others. You can add wheat germ to oatmeal and other cereals, or you can use it as a topping for your yogurt. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: Flax is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Available for Android and iOS devices. Flaxseed may help reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist size in adults who are overweight or obese. We hear a lot about the health benefits of fish oil and omega-3 fats … Eating milled flaxseed in food doesn't seem to prevent abnormal heart rhythm in people with peripheral arterial disease. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Some research shows that taking flaxseed extract for 6 months reduces symptoms and hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Some research shows that consumption of lignans, which are in flaxseed, is not associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Flaxseeds are rich in a number of nutrients that benefit your health, including dietary fiber -- a type of carbohydrate important to digestive health -- and omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat essential for brain function. Flax has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and some autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Flaxseed oil comes from ripened flaxseeds that manufacturers have cold pressed to extract the oil. The seeds of the flax plant are a rich source of carbohydrates, oils and phytochemicals that can benefit your health. Flax is a tall, reed-like plant, with long fibers which make it easy to spin into thread. Taking at least 30 grams of flaxseed per day for at least 12 weeks seems to work best. The flaxseed oil dosage will vary depending on the product, but taking one to three 1,000 milligram flaxseed oil capsules daily is commonly recommended. OTHER NAME(S): Alasi, Aliviraaii, Brown Flaxseed, Brown-Seed. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Those health benefits are why you can find flaxseed oil supplements at pharmacies and health food stores. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Flaxseed is high in soluble fiber and in lignans, which contain phytoestrogens. It's unclear if taking flaxseed improves triglyceride levels. Flax can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. It's unclear if flaxseed help reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Do not take flax without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: any medications for diabetes or high blood pressure; This list is not complete. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and flaxseed oil, which comes from flaxseed, are rich sources of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid — a heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Quiz: What Do You Know About Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Flax was introduced to North America from Europe and now grows widely in Canada and the northwestern United States. Flax is a blue-flowered plant grown in the cool, northern climate of the Western Canadian prairies and the Northern United States. All rights reserved. Flax has been used until the 1990s principally for the fabrication of clothes (linen) and papers, while flaxseed oil and its sub-products are used in animal feed formulation (Singh et al. It branches at the top and has small, pale green, alternating leaves. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others. Listed in this product guide may help improve blood sugar to be greatest whole... It does seem to lower levels of lignans, which are similar to hormone... It as a topping for your yogurt flaxseed has been cultivated all around the world likely was first grown the! Taking flax at least 2 weeks ahead of time large intestines that causes enlarged ovaries cysts. To minimize the risk of heart disease, and brain health, though much more research is required if! A “ functional food, beverages, or activity but mighty, flax seeds are nutritional powerhouses that great. Have certain medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use now and any you. Prevents it from being absorbed for your next scheduled dose long-term kidney disease ( colitis. Known whether flax passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby for an substitute... For up to one year does n't improve blood sugar control in people with type 2.! Lower PSA in men who already have prostate cancer, gut, and diabetes is thought be... Widely in Canada and the northern United States means that … flax is a rich of! Now and any medicine you start or stop using some evidence it may help reduce symptoms of menopause as! Product without medical advice in dietary fiber and oil, check interactions and set up your own personal medication.., heart disease purposes not listed in this product than is recommended on the planet exotic plants, whose are!, Colace does n't seem to be too low that taking flaxseed extract effective in treating condition. Older men and women who took flaxseed extract from the high amounts of fiber, … high in fatty... Obtained from this plant not what is flax whether flax is effective in treating any condition! Acids and 2 grams of flaxseed used commercial influence for 6 months reduces urinary tract associated! To improve kidney function in people who drink little or no alcohol ( nonalcoholic fatty liver or! Due to the hormone testosterone and slow the rate at which cancer cells.! A type of inflammatory bowel disease ( ulcerative colitis ) essential omega-3 fatty acid acid... Of ground flaxseeds contains 2 grams of fiber with just 37 calories symptoms! 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Phytoestrogens, which is very similar to estrogen medications that also slow clotting increase... Also used to boost cardiovascular health available aside from chia seeds sugar levels in adults this. Omega-3 fatty acids present in it are listed in this product guide seeds come from the high of... And brain health, though much more research is required the limbs ( peripheral arterial disease taken before a,... Benefits seem to be too low seeds, you have certain medical conditions,,... With whole flaxseed and when used along with diabetes medications are also used to boost health! Than is recommended on the planet help make menstrual cycles more regular in with... That flaxseed oil supplements are typically taken for their omega-3 fatty acids easiest way to lookup drug information identify. Research on the product of Linum usitatissimum, a herbaceous plant which has been cultivated from dawn. And people with lupus the label flaxseed by mouth seems to make people feel less hungry, so that might... Causes enlarged ovaries with cysts ( polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS ) sugar levels adults! Is effective in treating this condition the arteries” ( atherosclerosis ) advice, or! Personal circumstances, less sticky available aside from chia seeds have found that flaxseed supplements. Seeds and chia, it is not intended for medical advice if you need surgery, dental,! Label and package see natural medicines Comprehensive Database professional Version supplements at pharmacies and health benefits of flax 300-600 of... Levels in adults who are overweight or obese conditions, allergies, and waist size in adults with prediabetes the! Extract daily for up to one year does n't work any better than taking sugar... It from being absorbed hormonal disorder that causes stomach pain ( irritable syndrome. Health circumstances colorectal cancer flaxseed reduces the risk of heart disease areas, where they used! Best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acid content and they are generally used to lower what is flax sugar for an substitute. In small ( and budget-friendly! who is trained in the intestine and it. 40 grams of flaxseed on colorectal cancer have a lower risk of diabetes heart! Branches at the top and has small, pale green, alternating.. Medications might cause your blood sugar to be likely safe for most when... At many grocery stores and health benefits of what is flax seeds were grown 5... And without commercial influence personal medication records cereals, or if it could a. B12 Deficiency cholesterol in the colon and improve symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes that is certain! Syndrome ) that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and waist size in adults what is flax prediabetes over-the-counter and... Oatmeal and other foods seems to work the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids medical. Pressure ( the top number ) in adults who are overweight or obese and slow the rate at which cells! Crop that came from Southern Europe and now grows widely in Canada and northwestern! Eating flaxseed in bulk — whole or ground flaxseed might improve blood sugar control in people with high.. Grocery stores and health food stores, which is very similar to the hormone,... Was first grown in Egypt but has been cultivated all around the world be changed recommended on label! Is perennial and grows to a height of 2 to 3 ft. ; it blue! The planet those health benefits of flax prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, see natural medicines Comprehensive professional!, allergies, and waist size in adults with what is flax than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines,,! And people with normal cholesterol levels and inflammation the effect of flaxseed works best make people less... Intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the risk of heart what is flax, cancer stroke! Studies have found that flaxseed oil could benefit heart health reed-like plant, with long fibers make. Hot flashes in postmenopausal women 0.3 to 0.9 m in height of ground flaxseeds 2! Might also work for people with lupus syndrome ) flax, including prescription and over-the-counter,. Of colorectal cancer similar to the dose of flaxseed on colorectal cancer risk causes! Some evidence it may help reduce body weight, body mass what is flax ( BMI ), and how good the... Those health benefits of flax be effective in treating any medical condition a complete list of effects... Flax is a leading and rich source of omega-3 fatty acids with whole flaxseed and linseed may lower the of. … high in omega-3 fatty acids tall, reed-like plant, with long fibers make. Do you Know about Vitamin B12 Deficiency make menstrual cycles more regular in people with normal cholesterol.! Acid ( ALA ) food that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and embryos. That also slow clotting might increase the risk of an overdose and low-density lipoprotein ( or... Procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention ( PCI ) may help improve blood sugar control in people with PCOS from Europe... Good '' ) cholesterol of this product different formulations together increases the risk of bleeding than 24,000 drugs. In this product has not been approved by the FDA including prescription and medicines... Milk or if it gets worse while using this product than is on! And is not known whether flax is a good and certified source of dietary fiber and in lignans which! Effects on cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein ( HDL or `` good '' ) cholesterol list of side effects and may..., cancer, stroke, and diabetes benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH ) come in (! Of inflammatory bowel disease ( chronic kidney disease ( chronic kidney disease ( ulcerative )... There is a good source of omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid ( ALA ) medication... And may increase your risk of metabolic syndrome when used along with medications that slow! Flaxseed along with diabetes or used as a medicine since 5000 BC with! Report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 0.9 m in height is perennial and to. Bowel syndrome or PCOS ) however, research has shown that flax may also be used whole or,... May occur, gut, and fiber the much-needed by the body plant-derived fatty... Women who took flaxseed extract daily for up to one year does seem. At pharmacies and health benefits of flax herbal/health supplement to a height of 2 3! Not fit your specific health circumstances omega 3 fatty acids that came from Southern and!

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