I have heard a lot about flaxseed lately. A. Flaxseed is a small brown seed with a distinctive nutty flavor. It has been used in the diets of humans for thousands of years. As far back as 3000 B.C., the Babylonians cultivated flaxseed, and in 650 B.C. Hippocrates wrote that flaxseed was used for the relief of intestinal discomfort. Today it is becoming more popular for both its flavor and many reported health benefits.
Flaxseed consists of fat, fiber and protein.
A tablespoon of the seed has approximately 65 calories, six grams of fat, four grams of fiber and three grams of protein. There is a growing concern that the typical American diet is too high in omega-6 fatty acids. In studies, omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in flaxseed, have been shown to modify several risk factors for heart disease and stroke including reducing blood triglycerides and blood pressure. They also protect against certain types of cancer and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Flaxseed is a source of dietary fiber.