(NaturalHealth365)  If flaxseed hasn’t been on your radar, it might just make a grand entrance now.  A newly released systematic review and meta-analysis have shed light on the incredible potential locked within these tiny seeds, including lowering blood pressure.

Despite their unassuming appearance and taste, flaxseeds boast significant anti-inflammatory effects that could redefine your health journey.  With benefits extending to individuals with coronary artery disease, the impact of flaxseed is truly extraordinary.

A nutritional powerhouse with surprising health benefits

Flaxseed looks similar to small grains of rice, yet it packs a powerful nutritional punch.  The review linked above highlights how flaxseed affects glucose, lipid profiles, weight, and the health of those with coronary artery disease.  The review included analysis of internet databases ranging from the popular study-laden PubMed to the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and more.

The analysis pinpointed flaxseed control trials through the summer of 2023.  Though the analysis does not reveal meaningful differences in body mass index or weight after flaxseed intake, it improved circulating blood glucose levels.  Moreover, ground flaxseed consumption helped reduce elevated levels of inflammation.

In one trial, the research team concealed flaxseed within baked goods to compare the results with alternatives void of flaxseed.  The results revealed a meaningful decrease in the blood pressure levels of study participants who consumed flaxseed-containing muffins and were previously diagnosed with high blood pressure.

It took merely four weeks for those who consumed flaxseed muffins to enjoy blood pressure levels similar to those of 20-year-olds.  Though flaxseed cannot completely replace high blood pressure medication, it serves a similar purpose at a fraction of the cost of those Big Pharma pills.

Scientists insist flaxseed inhibits the unique enzyme that causes inflammation and elevated blood pressure.  Consuming flaxseed decreases the enzyme’s activity, which creates the oxylipins that cause inflammation.

Though the overarching theme is that flaxseed reduces diastolic and systolic blood pressure, such a reduction does not occur 100% of the time.  The data indicates that the longer one consumes flaxseed or flaxseed extract, the greater the impact on blood pressure.

Flaxseed also has the potential to help fight cancer

The consumption of flaxseed does more than help reduce high blood pressure.  Flaxseed’s lignans, peptides, fiber, omega-3, and other components all contribute to optimal health outcomes.

Flaxseed consumption prevents enzymes from creating fatty acid metabolites that spur inflammation.  Such inflammation contributes to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a plethora of other health conditions, including cancer.  Lignans within flaxseed appear to be especially potent in the fight against cancer.

Tips to incorporate flaxseed into your diet

You don’t have to consume flaxseed by the spoonful; instead, consider incorporating it subtly into your diet.  Sprinkle organic flaxseed over yogurt, soups, stews, oatmeal, cereal, and various other dishes.  Blend flaxseed into your favorite smoothie for the extra health benefits.

Newcomers to flaxseed should note that even a tablespoon of these tiny seeds packs enough fiber to kickstart your digestive system.  Keep in mind that your body’s internal bacteria may need time to adapt to the increase in flaxseed fiber, especially if your previous fiber intake was low.  Start by adding a sprinkle of flaxseed to your preferred foods, gradually increasing the amount over time.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Nutritionfacts.org