Researchers in China have reviewed 28 research studies involving more than 1500 people and concluded that a diet including flaxseed may help to lower cholesterol levels. The cholesterol reduction as a result of eating whole flaxseed was found to be greater in women than men.

According to study leader, Dr. Xu Lin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one tablespoon per day of whole flaxseed or flaxseed oil typically results in a reduction of total overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which is the "bad" cholesterol. The effects were greatest for post-menopausal women and for those who started out with high cholesterol levels.

However, the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) were not significantly affected by consuming flaxseed. Flaxseed is also considered to be good for the heart, because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and alpha linolenic acid.