What is Flaxseed?
The yellow and/or brown seeds of the flax plant. This plant has a long history both in the textile and food worlds. You may better know flax fabric by its common name, linen. Oil derived from the plant is called linseed oil, a type of vegetable oil that can be incorporated into cuisine as well.
Keto Status?
Acceptable
Why?
Natural and low in carbs, high in fiber and fat, leading to feeling full longer and staving off cravings. Has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce risks of heart disease and stroke, and maintain cardiovascular health.
Possible Side Effects From Ingesting Flaxseed?
Flaxseeds contain plant chemicals known as phytoestrogens which are believed to mimic estrogen in the body. Since some types of cancer are estrogen-driven, research has been conducted to discover whether flaxseeds put some people at risk, although so far the results have been conflicting.
Although inconclusive, the following groups have been recommended to avoid flaxseeds:
- Women with a history of ovarian, breast, or uterine cancer
- Women who’ve experienced polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis
- Women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene defect, as these defects result in a much higher likelihood of breast cancer
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and adolescent women should limit their flaxseed intake to one or two times per week, rather than daily
- Women with Lipoedema should avoid all phytoestrogens.
For more information on possible risks associated with phytoestrogens, follow this link: https://www.healthline.com/health/phytoestrogens#risks-and-side-effects
Source
PLEASE NOTE – I Heart Keto Mart will add more sources and up-to-date research articles as they come to our attention. We welcome any of our viewers to send us any information/research/articles that you think would be of interest to our rating decision. Keep in mind – we are not rating ingredients solely on their general health benefits or side effects. To see our rating process, click on the link below.
I Heart Keto Mart Rating Guide
I Heart Keto Mart rates all ingredients through a “keto diet” & “low carb diet” lens. As an example, peas would be rated as “Acceptable” on a non-keto healthy diet; however, due to their carbohydrate level, we rate them “Objectionable”. We also rate all sweeteners that typically cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin levels as “Objectionable”. If you prefer a natural sweetener, like honey, over a sugar alcohol like erythritol, you may not agree with our “Objectionable” rating. I Heart Keto Mart rates all ingredients based first and foremost for those that have a sugar/carbohydrate addiction. Ingredients are rated for those who must moderate if not completely abstain from any sugars. If you have questions about this, please refer to this article: Why Some Whole Foods Are Not Keto Friendly
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