An ally in the campaign for good health comes in the form of flaxseed, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been credited with combating heart disease by lowering blood pressure and helping to keep arteries clear. Studies also are being conducted to investigate its role in "dissolving" tumors, combating diabetes, treating and preventing arthritis, in addition to several other ailments.
Flaxseed should be ground up before digestion to be most efficacious and to maximize the intake of dietary fiber. Whole seeds are not digested by the body, and are expelled in their original forms. The flaxseed's hull is rich in ligans, components found in the cell wall material of flax, which have been found to possess anticarciogenic properties, says Hall. While there is no daily requirement for flaxseed, it is suggested that people take 25 to 50g.