Amazing Facts on Flaxseeds with Special Reference to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system disorder affecting mainly females of reproductive age. The clinical manifestations of PCOS are highly complex and heterogeneous involving oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenemia, and polycystic ovaries with enlarged follicles that lead to infertility, endometrial cancer, and other associated diseases. PCOS may be characterized by thinning of scalp hair and baldness, excessive hair growth on the face and other places as seen in males, obesity, acne, darkened skin on the neck, underneath the breasts, and the groin areas, etc. There is no specific and effective treatment for PCOS. The medications may sometimes produce adverse effects and may be contraindicated. Hence non-pharmacological therapeutic modalities including nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and other complementary therapies are gaining more importance in treating PCOS patients. Flaxseed is a plant source that is the richest source of dietary lignan and is called one of the “superfoods”. Flaxseed is rich in α-linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids rendering potential health benefits to the human being as it helps in reducing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, etc. This review focuses on the beneficial facts of flax seed, a magical functional food with numerous health benefits.