[QUOTE]Dietary Fiber: Flax seed is a good source of dietary fiber containing 28 g total dietary fiber/100 g dry weight. Approximately 2/3 of the fiber in flax seed is insoluble7. Insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation by increasing bulk and reducing the time food passes through the bowel. The remaining 1/3 of the fiber is water-soluble. Water-soluble fiber has been documented to assist in lower blood cholesterol levels and maintaining blood glucose levels8, 10.

High fiber foods may offer protection against certain types of cancer1


http://www.flaxminnesota.com/flax_a...th_benefits.htm


Pene

In addition to soluble and insoluble fiber .. flax seeds are one of the richest known sources of plant lignans.

Lignans - When bacteria in the digestive tract act on plant lignans these compounds are converted into potent hormone-like substances. Research with animals suggests that the newly formed compounds may be capable of blocking the action of certain cancer-causing substances in the body, substances that can contribute to the formation of tumours.

Currently,scientists are trying to determine how effective lignans and other chemicals in foods (phytochemicals) are at preventing cancer. They are also looking over evidence that suggests the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are potential anticarcinogens.


Here is a really good article about the health benefits of lignans, from the Flax Council of Canada .. http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/pdf/richsrce.pdf


Doreen