Why Eat Flax? - Roasted Flax, Flax For Nutrition, CanMar Grain Products Ltd.

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Health Benefits

Constipation

Because of its high fibre content, flax works as a laxative and as a result, alleviates constipation. The hard outer shell of flax seed absorbs water, which increases intestinal bulk. Flax contains generous amounts of both insoluble (2/3 of fibre in flax) and soluble fibre (1/3). The insoluble fibre or the non-digestible form of flax, when consumed, reduces bowel transit time and increases bowel movements. Doses greater than 45 g of flax a day produces a laxative effect.

More and more special/ long-term care homes are using ground flax as a healthy and acceptable alternative to fruit lax and bran to increase daily fibre intake among residents.

A study at North Queens Nursing Home in Caledonia, Nova Scotia involved 44 residents. Of the 44 residents, 75% used laxatives. The goal of the study was to implement a bowel care program and to decrease the number of pharmaceutical products, laxatives, suppositories, and enemas used in the long-term care. Ground flax was added to baked products and dry cereal everyday. No change in food was noticeable by the residents when bran was replaced by ground flax. After 1-2 years of using flax, there was a decrease in the number of enemas used (about 35% after 1 year) and almost a 30-40% increase of residents who no longer required medications for bowel care after 2 years, an 80% decrease of residents who used laxatives and a 47% decreased use of enemas. Overall, the care home saved money by 46% when using flax instead of medications to alleviate constipation. (Selig, Boyle. 2001. Can Nurse, Sept;97(8): 28-33.)