does flaxseed have peptides FAQ

Until more is known, Thompson says, pregnant women and possibly breastfeeding mothers should not supplement their diets with ground flaxseed. "Our own animal studies showed that flaxseed exposure during these stages may be protective against breast cancer in the offspring. But a study of another investigator showed the opposite effect," Thompson says.

Flaxseed is available as a food and as a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep flaxseed out of the reach of children. Ground flaxseed contains large amounts of fiber. Adding a large amount of fiber to your diet all at once may increase your risk of stomach or gut discomfort. If you are adding flaxseed to your diet, start with small amounts each day and slowly increase the amount every few days. Adding flaxseed to a meal can also help reduce your risk of side effects. It is also important to make sure you are drinking enough fluid each day. Raw flaxseed can cause serious side effects. You should only eat flaxseeds that have been cooked. Flaxseed dietary supplements contain cooked, ground flaxseed. Herbal products, such as flaxseed, naturally contain many different substances. The amount of each substance in a specific flaxseed product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the seeds were processed after they were harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns. Flaxseed is available in many different forms, including whole or ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and flaxseed lignan extract. Whole or ground flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans. Each of these substances can have effects on the body. Flaxseed oil products contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed lignan extracts contain large amounts of lignans. Each of these different products can have very different effects on the body. The FDA has not tested flaxseed dietary supplement products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take flaxseed.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if flaxseed is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

You should store flaxseed according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

There are no known interactions between flaxseed and foods or drinks. Taking flaxseed or flaxseed oil with food may reduce your risk of side effects. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect flaxseed.

Flaxseed, sometimes called linseed, is the seed of the flax plant, which is called Linum usitatissimum. Whole and ground flaxseed, as well as the oil from flaxseed, are commonly added to foods. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and flaxseed extract are also available as dietary supplements. Flaxseed contains large amounts of insoluble fiber. This is a type of fiber that is not absorbed by your body. Instead, it stays in your gut and helps soften your stools and make them more regular, which can help with constipation. Insoluble fiber also slows down how quickly your body absorbs the sugars in the foods that you eat. But it is not clear if flaxseed can help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Flaxseed also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil, which comes from flaxseed, is made almost entirely of omega-3 fatty acids. One of the most common fatty acids in flaxseed oil is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids have many important functions in your eyes, brain, heart, blood vessels, and immune system. They can also help reduce swelling (inflammation). But the benefits of flaxseed or flaxseed oil for heart and immune system health are not well defined. Flaxseed also contains chemicals called lignans. One of the main lignans in flaxseed is called secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG). Lignans act like antioxidants in your body and may also have estrogen-like effects. This has led to interest in using them for cancer and menopause. But the benefits of flaxseed lignans for menopause symptoms and hormone-sensitive cancers are not well defined. Herbal products like flaxseed naturally contain many different substances, including fiber, fatty acids, and lignans. The amounts of each substance in a specific flaxseed product may vary. Some, none, or all of these substances may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each substance is found in the product you are using.

While less common, the most serious side effects of flaxseed are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Flaxseed may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking flaxseed and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

The most common side effects of flaxseed are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Flaxseed products are used for many different reasons. However, their benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use flaxseed products include the following. Note: The FDA has not reviewed flaxseed for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking flaxseed.

If you or someone else has used too much flaxseed, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are found in many foods and can also be added to foods. Flaxseed dietary supplements may contain whole flaxseed, flaxseed oil, or flaxseed lignan extract. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take flaxseed products safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

Flaxseed contains many benefits for people of all sexes. However, certain flaxseed compounds can mimic the effects of estrogen, so it may not be safe for people who have hormone-sensitive cancers or are on hormone therapy or with hormone-sensitive cancers. Doctors may also recommend avoiding it while you are pregnant or nursing (5).

Flaxseed is rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids and contains several important vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health. Its nutrients may offer some protection against cancer and help reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Many of the health benefits noted in the studies above were observed with just 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed daily. U.S. health organizations don’t have specific dietary recommendations for flaxseeds. But most experts agree that 1 to 2 tablespoons (7 to 14 g) of ground flaxseed daily is a healthy amount in a balanced diet to avoid too much fiber. Although flaxseed is associated with many health benefits, there are a few downsides to consider:

Flaxseed oil contains more ALA than ground flaxseed. Just 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains Flaxseed contains several other beneficial nutrients, such as fiber, that aren’t found in its oil. To fully reap this food’s health benefits, ground flaxseed should be your first choice.

Many of the health benefits noted by research involved consuming 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed per day. As it is high in fiber, eating too much too quickly can cause digestive issues.