Flaxseed and its role in human health
What it found
In people, regular flaxseed consumption improved cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, menopause symptoms, constipation, mental fatigue and skin condition.
The authors say ground flaxseed is the best form to eat.
What they found
Studies in people
Cholesterol and lipids
In people, flaxseed lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL cholesterol. A meta-analysis of 14 studies found improvements in healthy and dyslipidemic participants.
Blood pressure
In people with pre-diabetes, peripheral artery disease or hypertension, flaxseed reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The effect was larger with higher daily amounts.
Blood sugar and insulin
In people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, flaxseed improved fasting glucose and insulin resistance. One study found no change in insulin concentration.
Menopause symptoms
In postmenopausal women, flaxseed reduced the intensity of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. It also changed some hormone levels.
Digestion and gut
In people, flaxseed improved constipation symptoms and increased fecal fat excretion. It also changed gut bacteria and reduced intestinal permeability.
Animal and lab studies
Cancer, in lab tests
In cancer cell lines, flaxseed lignans and oil reduced cell growth and increased cell death. These were lab tests, not studies in people.
What the authors conclude
“From the review of the scientific literature, it is possible to unequivocally confirm the effectiveness of flaxseed supplementation in improving human health.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that regular flaxseed consumption improves lipid profile, lowers blood pressure, and modulates carbohydrate metabolism.
- They advise that the most beneficial form is ground seeds, consumed freshly ground and in the shortest possible time.
- They state that further studies are needed to clearly establish the recommended portion of flaxseed consumption.
How it was done
The authors wanted to present the biological activities of flaxseed and its role in improving human health.
They reviewed studies in people, animals and cells on flaxseed and its components. The human studies ranged from single trials to meta-analyses, with intakes from 5 g to 40 g per day and durations from 1 week to over 6 months.
What it can’t tell you
- Many findings come from single studies, so the results may not apply to everyone.
- The review cannot show the exact amount of flaxseed needed for health benefits.
- Some evidence comes from lab tests in cells, which cannot show what happens in people.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- The authors declare no conflict of interest.
- Authors work at
- Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
The paper
- Title
- The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Nowak W, Jeziorek M (2023). The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland). doi:10.3390/healthcare11030395Free full textPubMed 36766971DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error