Health N Wellness Blog

Men now have a way to reduce cholesterol naturally – and possibly lower their risk of heart sickness. It may not be as effective as a statin drug – but a modern study shows that flaxseed lignans can lower cholesterol levels by approximately ten percent – not evil for a food you buy at the grocery store.

Can Eating Flaxseed Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol?

In a study conducted at Iowa State University, researchers found that men with tall cholesterol could reduce their cholesterol levels by ten percent fair by eating three tablespoons of flaxseed each day. Unfortunately, eating flaxseed didn’t have the same cholesterol lowering benefits for women – at minimum in this study – although some other studies have shown similar reductions in cholesterol for women who eat flaxseed regularly.

Eating Flaxseed to Lower Tall Cholesterol: How Does It Work?

Researchers believe it’s the natural lignans found in flaxseed that lowers cholesterol levels. These lignans are broken down to their active forms – enterodiol and enterolactone- by intestine bacteria which can then alter the absorption and metabolism of cholesterol. Flaxseed is too a excellent source of fiber, which has cholesterol lowering benefits, and alpha-linolenic-acid which is converted to the heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Thus, it seems that flaxseed lowers the risk of heart sickness in several ways.

How to Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol with Flaxseed

Eating flaxseed may assist to modestly lower cholesterol levels, but it may not lower it sufficient for people with a large elevation in cholesterol. Before using flaxseed for cholesterol lowering, conversation to your doctor to find out precisely what your cholesterol level is and how much of it is HDL (the excellent cholesterol) and how much is LDL (the evil cholesterol). Flaxseed can interact with some medications such as blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, so make certain your doctor is aware that you’re taking it.

To reduce cholesterol levels, flaxseed has to be ground before eating it. Whether the seeds are swallowed entire, they pass through the body without offering health benefits. Maximum people buy the seeds entire from their grocery store or health food store and grind them in a coffee grinder. You can too buy flaxseed that’s pre-ground at many health food stores.

The Art of Eating Flaxseed

Sprinkle flaxseed into hot or cold cereal. It adds a deliciously nutty flavor – and additional fiber. Add it to soaps or sprinkle it on salads. Spoon it into spaghetti sauce or stir it into salad dressing. There are so many ways to benefit from flaxseed lignans. It’s an simple way to naturally lower your cholesterol.