Flax, a blue-flowering crop grown on the Prairies, produces flaxseed, or linseed, a tiny seed packed with nutritional components that can play an important role in your diet. Here are some of the benefits.

Soluble fibre helps lower cholesterol levels and cut the risk of heart disease.

Alpha linolenic acid, a heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid, helps reduce blood thickness, so the heart doesn't have to work as hard to push it through blood vessels. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of blood clots and help lower triglyceride levels.

Phytoestrogens, or plant chemicals, called lignans convert in the body to compounds that are similar to, but much weaker than, human estrogen.