Slim Fast Slimming Diet, 30 Caps

Benefits

• May help support healthy bowel regularity.
• Source of dietary fibre, which supports digestive health.
• Source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (ALA) to help support heart health.
• Helps support heart health and circulation as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
• Source of lignans, plant compounds with antioxidant activity.
• Helps support healthy skin and hair from within when part of a balanced diet.

What people commonly use it for

• Occasional constipation (Good clinical evidence for fibre and ground flaxseed)
• Feeling full between meals (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
• Dry skin and brittle hair (Early research only)
• Menopausal hot flushes (Early research, mixed results)
• Everyday heart health support (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)

Suggested to use alongside

• Chia seeds: Another seed rich in omega-3 and fibre
• Probiotic: Supports friendly gut bacteria
• Psyllium husk: Fibre to support regularity

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) contains about 40 per cent fat, mostly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fat. It also provides roughly 28 per cent fibre, split between soluble mucilage gums, which form a gel, and insoluble fibre, which adds bulk. Its lignans, mainly secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), are among the richest dietary sources known.

Gut bacteria convert SDG to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which have weak oestrogen-like and antioxidant activity. This is why flaxseed is of interest for menopausal wellbeing, though human results are mixed.

The body converts ALA to the longer-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA, but only in small amounts (often under 10 per cent for EPA and even less for DHA). Flaxseed is therefore a good source of ALA, but not a direct replacement for fish or algal oil if you want EPA and DHA.

• Whole seeds: often pass through undigested, so you miss most of the nutrients.
• Ground (milled) seeds: release oil, fibre and lignans for absorption.
• Flaxseed oil: concentrated ALA, but without fibre or lignans, and sensitive to heat and light.

The fibre helps soften and bulks stools and also supports a healthy gut microbiome. Meta-analyses suggest flaxseed can modestly support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure already within the normal range (see the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Examine.com). Drink plenty of water with flaxseed fibre.

• Pack size: 30 Caps
• Form: Capsules

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Supplier ref: Slim Fast 30 Capsules Diet Supplements 100% Herbal F

What is flaxseed good for?

Flaxseed supports regularity, provides plant omega-3 (ALA) and fibre, and supports heart health as part of a balanced diet.

Is flaxseed the same as linseed?

Yes, they are the same seed. Flax is the common name in North America, and linseed is used more in Australia and the UK.

Should I eat flaxseed whole or ground?

Ground is better, because whole seeds can pass through your gut undigested. Grind fresh or buy milled and store it in the fridge.

How much flaxseed should I have each day?

One to two tablespoons of ground flaxseed is a common amount. Start low and increase slowly.

Is flaxseed oil as good as whole flaxseed?

Flaxseed oil is high in ALA, but has no fibre or lignans. Use it cold, and not for frying.

Does flaxseed give you EPA and DHA?

Only small amounts, because conversion from ALA is limited. If you want EPA and DHA directly, consider fish or algae oil.

Take with plenty of water to avoid digestive blockage. Flaxseed fibre can reduce the absorption of medicines taken at the same time, so separate by one to two hours. Speak with a health professional if you take blood thinners or blood sugar medicines, or during pregnancy; do not eat unripe raw seeds in excess.

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