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anyone know anything about flax seeds?

darters82darters82
in 1st Trimester

Google research has given me conflicting info. I have read both that flaxseed oil should be avoided while pregnant, because it can affect estrogen, and  during pregnancy you should eat flax seeds (on salads, cereal, etc) as a source of Omega-3. Do you think the difference is flaxseed oil vs. flax seeds? Since the flaxseed oil comes from the seeds, that wouldn't make much sense (although I read the oil is more concentrated, maybe that's it?) Or do you think it's a moderation thing? I don't really eat flax seeds often, but DH got some the other day, and I ate a little crushed on my cereal. I'm not worried about that, since it was a small spoonful. But since I read the info afterwards about avoiding it, I haven't eaten any since. Just wondering if anyone knew anything about it...

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Re: anyone know anything about flax seeds?

  • palomaLunapalomaLuna member
    That's interesting. I hadn't heard anything about flaxseed oil's effects on estrogen, but do know about its benefits, being a vegan source of Omega-3s. I tend to use freshly ground flaxseeds in my food, but don't keep the oil on hand since it would go rancid before I could use up one of those big bottles.

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  • jennybeamsjennybeams member
    I don't know about any of the research, but I do know that I have these AMAZING flavored tortilla chips with flaxseeds in them from Trader Joes...I'm in LOVE. 
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  • darters82darters82
    Based on what I read, it doesn't look like the research that has led some people to advise pregnant women not to eat it is that concrete. I think they're just erring on the side of caution. I just thought it was weird, because I had only heard good things about it otherwise. Thanks for the answers, though!
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  • ibisibis member

    I don't know anything about it having any effect on estrogen.

    I do know that whole flax seeds will just pass through you undigested. If you want the benefits of omega-3s go for ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal. Also beware that it will give some people (ahem, DH) some UNHOLY gas. 

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  • Married2MrWrightMarried2MrWright member

    The Omega-3's in them actual help prevent cancer:

    https://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=553

    Health Benefits
    Research shows that flaxseed may have the ability to:

    • Prevent cancer and reduce tumor growth in the breast, prostate and colon.
    • Decrease the risks of developing heart disease, blood clots, strokes, and cardiac arrhythmia by lowering total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
    • Regulate bowel functions and prevent constipation.
    • Relieve breast pain related to a woman's hormonal cycle.
    • Possibly improve blood glucose control in diabetics.
    • Help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, Parkinson's disease and asthma.
    • Promote eye and brain development in utero.

    Of course, then there is this research that says that flaxseed can contain cadmium and phytoestrogens, both of which may be hamful to unborn children.search:

    https://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/flaxseed-pregnancy.php

    Flaxseed consumption during pregnancy could be beneficial for fetus brain development.

    Flaxseed provides lignans, phytoestrogen, which are estrogen-like phytochemicals. Therefore, flax seed may alter hormonal balance during pregancy. And since women during pregnancy and fetus are in their hormone-sensitive period, caution is advised on the dosage of flax seed intake.

    Most information on flax seed (and flax seed oil) and its effect on pregnant women is inferred from studies on animals. In animal studies, intakes of high dosages of flax seed have caused reproductive complications.

    On the other hand, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, to which flax seed is a major source, are recommended during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, forexample to enhance the baby's brain development.

    Other food sources of omega 3 fatty acids are fish (examples: salmon and shrimp), Neptune krill oil, cod liver oil, chicken, egg, meat and vegetables such as walnuts, chia, purslane and hemp.

    Research on the role of flax seed on prevention or treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women is not conclusive. However, there are indications that flax seed lignans may prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Flax seed oil also has been shown to reduce mammary tumor growth.

    So I guess the bottom line is...all things in moderation.

     

     

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