Flaxseed is a plant-based food that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and fiber. Some people call it a functional food which means that a person can it to boost their health. Flaxseed grew as a crip in ancient Egypt and China. In Asia, it has had a role in Ayurvedic Medicine for a thousand years. Flaxseed is a rich source of the omega - 3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, the Lignan secoisolariceresinol diglucoside and fiber. These Compounds provide bioactivity of value to the health of animals and humans through their anti-inflammatory action, antioxidative capacity, and lipid modulating properties. The characteristics of ingesting flaxseed or the individual bioactive components on the health and disease are also discussed. Specifically, the current evidence on the benefits or limitations of dietary flaxseed.