The authors studied the effect of flaxseed on blood pressure. Patients taking flaxseed had a greater decrease in blood pressure than patients who did not. 

Systolic blood pressure refers to the blood pressure when the heart contracts, while diastolic blood pressure refers to the blood pressure when the heart relaxes. Normal systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg and normal diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg. High blood pressure occurs when systolic blood pressure is greater than 140 mmHg or when diastolic blood pressure is higher than 90 mmHg. 

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease. Thus, it is important to lower blood pressure. It is suggested that diet could be a factor influencing blood pressure. 

Flaxseed is a seed that can be eaten on its own or incorporated into other food products. In animals, flaxseed has been shown to affect the health of the heart and blood vessels. It is believed that flaxseed may reduce high blood pressure.

This study aimed to determine the effect of flaxseed on blood pressure.

58 patients received food which contained 30 g of milled flaxseed, while 52 patients received a placebo (food product not containing flaxseed). Participants received the flaxseed-containing food or placebo everyday for 6 months.

At the start of the study, body weight and blood pressure were similar between the two groups of patients. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured.

After 6 months, systolic blood pressure in patients receiving flaxseed dropped by an average of 10 mmHg in comparison to the patients receiving the placebo. The diastolic blood presure in patients receiving flaxseed dropped by an average of 7 mmHg in comparison to the patients receiving the placebo.

The authors concluded that flaxseed reduces high blood pressure.

A small number of patients were studied. The majority of patients were also receiving medication to reduce blood pressure. 

Consider adding flaxseed to your diet to reduce high blood pressure.