
Linseed oil is good for the heart because it is the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid. Linseed itself (ground or whole) also contains lignans, which may have antioxidant actions and may help protect against certain cancers, though not everyone agrees on this issue. Linseed Oil Benefits and Uses Specifically, linseed may help to:
Full Answer
Is linseed oil good for breast cancer patients?
Although further studies are needed, research undertaken at the University of Toronto indicates that women with breast cancer, regardless of the degree of cancer invasiveness, may benefit from treatment with linseed. Interestingly, the lignans may protect against various effects of ageing as well.
Does linseed oil have any side effects?
This oil is found to have considerable amounts of vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and various phytonutrients. Being a good source of nutrients, linseed oil has been promoted as a nutritional supplement. While the use of linseed oil is surging steadily, most of the users are ignorant of the possible side effects of this product.
What happens if you eat too much linseed?
Daily linseed oil over-supplementation may act as a blood-thinning agent, which may increase in turn your risk of bleeding. Large amounts of linseed oil intake at once may cause gastrointestinal distress, such as upset stomach, vomiting, persistent stomach cramps and nausea.
What are the health benefits of linseed oil for men?
Fight prostate problems, male infertility and impotence: The EFAs in linseed oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate, the small gland located below the bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age. Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to urinate, may lessen as a result.

Is linseed oil toxic to humans?
One of the biggest questions people have about linseed oil is if it is toxic or not. The short answer is no! Pure linseed oil poses little to no threat to human health. Many sources, including Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS), indicate that it is non-toxic.
What does linseed do to your body?
Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Does flax oil help fight cancer?
In addition, treatment with flaxseed oil also disrupted mitochondrial function in B16-BL6 and MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that flaxseed oil can specifically inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in some cancer cells and suggests it has further potential in anti-cancer therapy.
What happens if you get linseed oil on your skin?
In addition to being used in food, flaxseed oil can be applied to the skin to enhance skin health and increase skin moisture. Alternatively, some people use flaxseed oil as a hair mask to promote growth and shine.
Is flaxseed the same as linseed?
Also known as flaxseed, linseed are small seeds that can be eaten whole, ground or pressed to make oil. Find out more about this fibre-rich food.
What's the difference between linseed and flaxseed?
Linseed is a shorter plant, with lots of branches and lots of seeds. Flaxseed is taller (3 feet) with fewer branches. Therefore, linseed is good for creating oil and flax has long been used to make linen, rope, and nets. There is even a boat called Flaxland, made completely of flax.
Do flax seeds raise estrogen?
Women with breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer or endometriosis should ask their doctor before taking flaxseed, because it may act like estrogen in the body. Some researchers think pregnant women should not take flaxseed, because it may act like estrogen in the body.
Is chia seeds good for cancer?
Chia seeds: Contains cancer-protective fiber and the plant-based omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid. Use these seeds to boost fiber and thicken beverages and smoothies.
Is flaxseed good for lung cancer?
Flaxseed Helps Suppress Lung Cancer Cells. Flaxseed helps you breathe by promoting lung health. Now recent medical research studies by Dr. Katie Reindl from NDSU and Dr. Melpo Christofidou-Solomidou from the U of Penn indicates that flaxseed can be very beneficial in the fight against lung cancer.
Is linseed oil OK for skin?
Flaxseed oil is a powerful skincare and haircare ingredient This multitasking oil can be applied to skin to sooth irritations or soften roughness. “Since flaxseed has anti-inflammatory properties, its oil can also help prevent skin irritation, redness, allergies and tissue inflammation.
Does flaxseed reverse GREY hair?
Stops premature greying Modi if flaxseed can help with premature greying, and as a matter of fact, it does! She says, “Flaxseeds are loaded with nutrients like proteins, minerals, vitamin B and vitamin E. This is a superfood for the hair.
Is raw linseed oil good for the skin?
Linseed oil is a natural oil that comes from the seeds of the flax plant. It contains a high content of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for skin health because they help to keep skin healthy and protect it from environmental damage.
What happens if you eat flaxseed everyday?
Eating flaxseed daily may also help your cholesterol levels. The level of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Does linseed help bloating?
Linseeds are often recommended by both clinicians and dietitians as a source of dietary fibre to alleviate symptoms. Recent guidance on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) advises that linseeds may reduce wind and bloating, although there is limited clinical evidence to support this recommendation.
How does flaxseed burn belly fat?
Combine the ground flax seed with the hot water and stir well. Add the lemon wedge to your glass and give it a squeeze for some flavor and a boost of vitamin C. You can drink this once per day while you're trying to lose weight.
Is it OK to have flaxseed everyday?
While there are no specific recommendations for flaxseed intake, 1-2 tablespoons a day is considered a healthy amount. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 37 calories, 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat (includes the omega-3 fatty acids), 0.5 gram of monounsaturated fat and 2 grams of dietary fiber.
What are the effects of lignans on cancer?
They also decrease growth and increase self-destruction of cancer cells. In studies with mice, lignans and flaxseed decrease cancer development and growth.
Why are lignans considered phytoestrogens?
Lignans are sometimes categorized as phytoestrogens because they have a chemical structure similar to estrogen. Earlier, this led to fears that lignans could promote cancers fueled by excess estrogen, such as estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. There was also concern that lignans could interfere with tamoxifen and certain other anti-estrogen cancer treatments. But in studies with mice, flaxseed and lignans isolated from flaxseed reduce development and growth of both ER+ and estrogen-negative (ER-) breast cancer. They lower levels of several growth factors that promote breast cancer and increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes.
How long before surgery can you eat flaxseed?
In a study of men with prostate cancer who ate flaxseed, followed a low-fat diet or both for about 30 days before surgery, each of these strategies reduced cancer cell growth compared to a control group, although the combination strategy produced best results.
Does flaxseed oil interfere with trastuzumab?
Limited animal studies have found that flaxseed and flaxseed oil do not interfere with actions of tamoxifen or trastuzumab (medications used for breast cancer treatment) and may even enhance their effectiveness. Most of the animal studies have focused on breast cancer. The relatively few animal studies addressing other cancers have shown some decrease in markers of inflammation and a decrease in number and size of colon cancer tumors, and in growth and spread of prostate cancer.
Does gamma tocopherol help with cancer?
In both cell and animal studies, gamma-tocopherol decreases cancer cell growth. Overall, research in flaxseed and cancer prevention with humans show mixed results.
Is dietary fiber good for cancer?
Analysis for the AICR/WCRF Third Expert Report found the evidence too limited to support a conclusion for an association of dietary fiber to several other cancers. Other analyses combining 16 to 20 prospective cohort studies have linked dietary fiber with lower risk of breast cancer.
Is flaxseed good for cancer?
The Cancer Research. Flaxseed’s potential influence on breast, prostate, and other hormone-related cancers has led to an interest in its role for the prevention and survivorship of these cancers. Results have shown mixed findings, and much more human research is needed.
Is linseed oil toxic?
The Toxicity of Linseed Oil | Healthfully. Linseed oil, also called flaxseed oil, is derived from the dried and ripened seeds of the flax plant and is used as a nutrition al supplement for its potential health benefits.
Is linseed oil good for kidneys?
Linseed oil may be effective in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, as well as improving kidney function in some individuals according to the National Institutes of Health. However, too much linseed oil may lead to toxicity symptoms and side effects. Consult your physician before using a supplement containing linseed oil.
Does linseed oil affect blood sugar?
Linseed oil may also interfere with blood sugar-lowering medications, certain medical steroids, cholesterol-lowering medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Caution should be taken when using linseed oil in combination with any of these drugs and medications. Linseed oil may interfere with the proper absorption ...
Does linseed oil cause constipation?
Linseed oil may also cause your intestines to stop moving, a condition called ileus. Ileus may result in mild-to-severe constipation.
Can linseed oil cause paralysis?
An overdose of linseed oil may cause: potentially serious side effects. including general weakness. difficulty walking. seizures. paralysis. according to Drugs.com. Individuals with bipolar disorder may observe an increase in the severity of symptoms associated with mania or hypomania with a high linseed oil intake.
Can flaxseed oil cause an allergic reaction?
A flaxseed allergy can cause a serious allergic reaction and is a medical emergency, says a report from Georgia Tech. Seek medical attention immediately if you think you are experiencing a flaxseed allergy. Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to linseed oil because it is derived from a plant.
What are the nutrients that cause prostate cancer?
Researchers are looking at connections between prostate cancer and a variety of dietary factors, including selenium, vitamin E, type and amount of dietary fat, soy foods, omega-3 fats, and lignans. Lignans are a group of nutrients found in berries, nuts, and seeds, particularly flaxseeds. More studies are needed to better clarify how nutrition may ...
What are the factors that affect prostate cancer?
We aren’t sure which specific nutrients might increase or decrease prostate cancer risk. Researchers are looking at connections between prostate cancer and a variety of dietary factors, including selenium, vitamin E, type and amount of dietary fat, soy foods, omega-3 fats, and lignans. Lignans are a group of nutrients found in berries, nuts, and seeds, particularly flaxseeds. More studies are needed to better clarify how nutrition may relate to prostate cancer risk and prevention.
Is flaxseed a lignan?
Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, which are commonly referred to as “ phytoestrogens.”. Other foods, such as soy, contribute phytoestrogens to the diet as well. Many health experts suspect that because phytoestrogens resemble our own estrogens, having them in the diet may affect our risk of hormone-related cancers, including prostate cancer. ...
Does flaxseed oil reduce tumors?
A 2008 study by the same research group also found that adding flaxseeds into the diet reduced tumor proliferation. Combining flaxseeds with a low-fat diet had the added benefit of reducing cholesterol levels as well.
Does soy help with prostate cancer?
In other words, we don’t know if it is the phytoestrogens in the diet or some other food or lifestyle factor that protects against certain cancers, including prostate cancer. However, it does appear that phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as soy and flaxseeds, may offer prostate cancer-protective effects.
Is alpha linolenic acid bad for prostate?
Also, some health experts suspect that genetic differences in how men metabolize alpha linolenic acid may contribute to whether or not this fat is harmful in terms of prostate tumor growth.
Can flaxseeds help with prostate cancer?
This means that if untreated, PIN can become more invasive, and develop into prostate cancer.#N#These studies give us the best evidence that flaxseeds may help men with prostate cancer, because they have collected blood samples and prostate tumor tissue samples both before and after adding flaxseed into the diet. This type of approach allows researchers to see whether flaxseeds have any observable effects on how prostate cancer tumors grow in men.#N#These studies have suggested that flaxseeds may reduce levels of prostate specific antigen, or PSA. PSA is one measure of how effective prostate cancer treatments are. The goal is to keep PSA blood levels as low as possible. If PSA remains low, this is an indication that treatment is working to prevent the tumor from growing and spreading.#N#A 2008 study by the same research group also found that adding flaxseeds into the diet reduced tumor proliferation. Combining flaxseeds with a low-fat diet had the added benefit of reducing cholesterol levels as well.#N#However, a study published in 2011, again by this same research group, suggest that a low-fat diet may be even more effective than flaxseeds for reducing the aggressiveness of prostate tumors in men who have the disease. Some of the benefit of a low-fat diet seems to come from the fact that the men who followed a low-fat diet also lost weight. Weight loss itself may reduce prostate cancer aggressiveness.#N#In 2015, a systematic review was published to take another look at past studies which explored potential links between lifestyle factors and the prevention of prostate cancer progression and mortality (9). A total of 44 studies investigating a multitude of lifestyle and nutritional interventions were examined for quality of research, as well as bias. This review agrees with the study that showed consuming flaxseed in the diet may result in less tumor proliferation. However, the reviewers emphasized the need for further well designed studies in this field for better understanding and conclusiveness of how dietary, nutritional and physical activity may impact the development of this disease.#N#Use Caution with flaxseed oil
Does flax seed help with cancer?
It is believed that through this process, the body can prevent damaged cells from reproducing, and eventually developing into cancer. Researchers have shown that flaxseed sprouts can increase apoptosis (programmed cell death). Some cell and animal studies have shown that two specific phytoestrogens found in lignans, named enterolactone and enterodiol, may help suppress breast tumor growth.
Does flaxseed reduce insulin?
Rickard SE, Yuan YV, Thompson LU. Plasma insulin-like growth factor I levels in rats are reduced by dietary supplementation of flaxseed or its lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside. Cancer Lett 2000;161:47-55.
Does flaxseed affect estrogen?
In postmenopausal women, lignans can cause the body to produce less active forms of estrogen. This is believed to potentially reduce breast cancer risk. There is evidence that adding ground flaxseeds into the diet decreases cell growth in breast tissue as well. Again, this would be the type of change that would be expected to decrease breast cancer risk.
Is lignan a phytoestrogen?
A phytoestrogen is a plant nutrient that is somewhat similar to the female hormone estrogen. Due to this similarity, lignans may have estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic effects in the body. Lignans are the nutrients that are at the center of the controversy regarding whether it is safe for women with breast cancer to eat flaxseeds.
Does flaxseed cause breast cancer?
To understand potential effects of flaxseed and how they may affect breast cancer, it helps to understand what flaxseeds are, and why some consider them a concern for women with a history of breast cancer.
Is phytoestrogen safe for cancer?
Phytoestrogens are somewhat similar to human estrogen, and some health experts have speculated that phytoestrogens might even act like human estrogen in the body. This suggestion has raised concerns about whether phytoestrogens may not be safe for people with a history of hormone-linked cancers, such as prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, or ER positive breast cancer.
Can you eat flaxseeds with breast cancer?
Researchers don't yet know if these results will apply to women with breast cancer, but this approach—adding flaxseeds to the diet—looks promising. And several studies in women have shown that higher intake of lignans, the key phytoestrogen in flaxseeds, is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer.
What medications interact with flaxseed oil?
Some medications that may interact with flaxseed oil negatively include: those that alter your blood flow and bleeding, including: aspirin. blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin) and clopedigrel (Plavix) some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen. those that regulate blood sugar, including:
When to see a doctor for flaxseed oil?
When to see a doctor. You should see your doctor immediately if you suspect you’re having a reaction from the intake of flaxseed oil. To be as proactive as possible, consult your doctor about using flaxseed oil as a dietary supplement before you begin to use it.
Does flax seed oil cause prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer. There is conflicting research about whether ALA found in flax seeds and flaxseed oil actually causes tumors from prostate cancer to be more aggressive. Flaxseed oil does not have the nutrient lignan, which has been linked to slowing tumors for prostate cancer.
Can flaxseed oil cause hives?
There is a chance you may have an allergy to flax seeds and flaxseed oil. You should discontinue and avoid the use of flaxseed oil if you notice itching, swelling, redness, or hives when you ingest it. Vomiting and nausea may also be signs of an allergy. See a medical center immediately if your reaction to flaxseed oil causes your throat to tighten or shortness of breath. These might be signs of anaphylactic shock.
Does flaxseed oil lower blood sugar?
The use of flax seeds or flaxseed oil may result in lowered blood sugar. You need to be careful in using these supplements if you have diabetes or any other condition that affects your blood sugar levels. You should also be cautious about consuming flaxseed oil if you use medications that alter your blood sugar levels.
Does flaxseed oil help with cholesterol?
Flaxseed oil is a supplement that can boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. These are considered to help with lowering your cholesterol as well as lowering your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.
Is flaxseed oil good for you?
You may be eager to find a supplement to boost the omega-3 fatty acids in your body. Flaxseed oil may be a good option for you. However, it may cause undesirable side effects if you have a preexisting medical condition, use certain medications, or take the wrong dosage.
What is flaxseed used for?
Flaxseed is used to: Prevent breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Control blood sugar level in patients with type-2 diabetes. Lower high cholesterol. Manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, but more research is needed to see if flaxseed actually helps with this.
Does flaxseed oil help with menopause?
Flaxseed is also a source of plant-based estrogens that have hormone-like effects in the body. They may help mild menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Does flaxseed help with cancer?
Preclinical studies suggest that flaxseed may inhibit growth and metastasis of human breast (6) (29), prostate (7) cancers and melanoma (8); and reduce radiation therapy-induced lung damage and improve survival (27). It was also shown to lower tumor biomarkers in patients with prostate (9) (25) and breast cancer (10). But a flaxseed extract was ineffective in preventing oral infection following radiation treatment in head and neck cancer patients (12); and supplementation with secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, a lignan, was not superior to placebo in reducing proliferation in benign breast tissue of premenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer (45).
Is flaxseed good for menopause?
In clinical studies, flaxseed improved mild menopausal symptoms (11); and exerted chemoprotective effects (2) along with affecting moderate reductions in estrogens and androgens (24) in postmenopausal women. It may also benefit women with polycystic ovarian syndrome by reducing androgen levels (23); and flaxseed powder combined with Vitex agnus may help to reduce cyclical mastalgia (39). Supplementation with a major lignin derived from flaxseed improved glycemic control in Type-2 diabetic patients (13). However, it was ineffective in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women with or without breast cancer (28).
Is flaxseed oil better than lactulose?
Flaxseed was also found more effective than lactulose (47) and psyllium for improving symptoms of constipation (42). In patients with ulcerative colitis, both flaxseed and flaxseed oil may affect reductions in systemic inflammation (50) as well as disease severity (44).
Can flaxseed be used for a radiology test?
Talk to your doctor if you’re going to have radiology procedure such as double contrast barium enema. Flaxseed may affect the results of your test. Talk with your doctor or Registered Dietitian if you have questions about adding flaxseed to your food or taking it as a supplement. Back to top.
Is flaxseed safe to eat?
It’s generally safe to use flaxseed in food and drinks but talk with your healthcare providers before taking flaxseed supplements. Herbal supplements are stronger than the herbs you would use in cooking.

Allergic Reaction
Toxicity Symptoms
- An overdose of linseed oil may cause: 1. potentially serious side effects 2. including general weakness 3. difficulty walking 4. seizures 5. paralysis 6. according to Drugs.com Individuals with bipolar disorder may observe an increase in the severity of symptoms associated with mania or hypomania with a high linseed oil intake. Daily linseed oil ov...
Gastrointestinal Effects
- Large amounts of linseed oil intake at once may cause gastrointestinal distress, such as upset stomach, vomiting, persistent stomach cramps and nausea.Linseed oil may also cause your intestines to stop moving, a condition called ileus. Ileus may result in mild-to-severe constipation. Taking linseed oil with large amounts of water may reduce the potential gastrointestinal side eff…
Other Considerations
- Linseed oil may interfere with the proper absorption and functioning of certain drugs and medications . According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, linseed oil may interfere with certain blood-thinning medications, or anticoagulants, which may increase your risk of bleeding due to thinning your blood even more 1. Linseed oil may also interfere with blood suga…