Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a food and fibre crop. Flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseeds also contain phytoestrogens called lignans, which are similar to the hormone estrogen. The fibre in flaxseed is found in the seed coat.
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.
