Women who supplement their diet with flaxseed may benefit from reduced hot flushes, US experts have said.
A small-scale study by Mayo Clinic researchers has found that postmenopausal women who do not wish to take oestrogen can decrease their symptoms with flaxseed therapy.
Participants took 40 grams of crushed flaxseed daily for six weeks and results show that their hot flushes decreased by 50 per cent over the period.
In addition, the volunteers reported improvements in mood, joint and muscle pain, chills and sweating, indicating that the therapy can significantly improve quality of life after menopause.
Dr Sandhya Pruthi, a breast health specialist and the study's primary investigator, said that hot flushes are a bothersome issue for women experiencing menopause.
"We are quite pleased with the improvements noted by these women in their quality of life," she revealed.
"Not only does flaxseed seem to alleviate hot flashes, but it appears to have overall health and psychological benefits as well."
The expert added that flaxseed, which contains omega-3 fatty acids and anti-cancer antioxidants called lignans, could be a "promising" non-hormonal option to assist women.
Women who supplement their diet with flaxseed may benefit from reduced hot flushes, US experts have said.
