Conclusion: Safflower, sunflower, rapeseed, flaxseed, corn, olive, soybean, palm, and coconut oil as well beef fat were more effective in reducing LDL-C (-0.42 to -0.23 mmol/l) as compared with butter. Despite limitations in these data, our NMA findings are in line with existing evidence on the metabolic effects of fat and support current recommendations to replace high saturated-fat food with unsaturated oils.
PubMed 30006369 ↗Flaxseed
People mainly take Flaxseed for digestion, energy, hormones. Based on 9 first-hand reports and 62 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #948 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 50% are positive.
What Flaxseed does, according to users
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
What the research says
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Foods identified to regulate inflammation included cranberries, grapes, pomegranate, strawberries, wheat, whole grain products, low fat dairy products, yogurt, green tea, cardamom, turmeric, soy foods, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseed, pistachios, algae oil, flaxseed oil and grape seed oil. Clinical trials that focus on a dietary pattern rich in functional foods are necessary to explore if the additive effect of these foods lead to more clinically relevant outcomes.
PubMed 33506690 ↗Conclusion: The role of ALA in cognition is in the early stages but shows promising evidence of counteracting cognitive impairment. Much has been learned about the health benefits of ALA and with additional research we will be better positioned to make strong evidence-based dietary recommendations for the reduction of many chronic diseases.
PubMed 35170723 ↗Conclusion: The findings suggest that seed oils may benefit in managing diabetes and dyslipidemia, although the results are sometimes inconsistent. This review provides valuable insights for dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the role of seed oils in metabolic health.
PubMed 39996006 ↗Dosage people report
As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
Reported side effects
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
What users say
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“flaxseed plant based hormones don't translate to human hormones.”
“Flax seed is a potent estrogenic so you'll feel a decrease in energy from lower testosterone.”
“I’ve heard flaxseed has some properties that mimic estrogen”
“Flax seed omega-3 is mostly ALA which is short chained and not as important as EPA/DHA”
“I eat 3tbsp of flax seed everyday and had high ALA and low DHA”
Top discussions (5)
- New Study of 217,000 Adults Finds Higher Blood Omega-3 Levels Linked to 35–40% Lower Early-Onset Dementia Risk ↗
- If you have increased your fiber intake, what benefits have you noticed? ↗
- How I Increased My Testosterone by 290% without hormone therapy or sport supplementation. — Ancient Gains ↗
- Monkeys that eat omega-3 rich diet show more developed brain networks ↗
- Omega-3s and phospholipids: krill oil better than fish oil for brain function ↗
Other options for digestion
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate