Hypolipidemic Effects:
The ability of whole flaxseed (or its powder) to reduce
cholesterol in humans has been supported in several
studies. A review of 9 clinical trials suggests that 15-50
grams of flaxseed a day (either whole or powder) can
modestly reduce total and LDL cholesterol by 1.6 to 18%
in both normo– and hypertensive patients without any
significant effects on HDL or triglycerides.
Flaxseed oil does not seem to be as effective in reducing
cholesterol as whole flaxseed and flaxseed powder.