Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health

Abstract

Flaxseed is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and fiber. These compounds provide bioactivity of value to the health of animals and humans through their anti-inflammatory action, anti-oxidative capacity and lipid modulating properties. The characteristics of ingesting flaxseed or its bioactive components are discussed in this article. The benefits of administering flaxseed or the individual bioactive components on health and disease are also discussed in this review. Specifically, the current evidence on the benefits or limitations of dietary flaxseed in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, gastro-intestinal health and brain development and function, as well as hormonal status in menopausal women, are comprehensive topics for discussion.

Flaxseed oil in the context of a weight loss programme ameliorates fatty liver grade in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised double-blind controlled trial

“…Anthropometric indices and blood pressure at baseline and after each month of the intervention according to the intention-to-treat analysis (Mean values and standard deviations) that in flax seeds (about 53 % v. about 22 %) (36) , the difference in the results may have come from compounds that are removed during flaxseed oil extraction. These include fibre, antioxidants, phyto-oestrogens and lignans such as secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, which are suggested to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and lipid-modulating properties (37)(38)(39) . In agreement with this point, we did not observe beneficial effect of flaxseed oil on serum lipids but interventions with flaxseed have shown its benefits on TAG (18) and LDL-cholesterol (40) .…”

Dietary Factors and Supplements Influencing Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Concentrations in Men with Prostate Cancer and Increased Cancer Risk: An Evidence Analysis Review Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

“…In another trial, Demark-Wahnefried [ 208 ] decided to compare the efficacy of a low-fat diet (LFD) against the anti-inflammatory and anti-oncotic role of flaxseed lignans [ 209 ]. He assumed that a low-fat diet (LFD, <20% TEI), a high-flaxseed diet, or an LFD supplemented with flaxseed might entail health benefits for men with PCa scheduled for prostatectomy, compared with their usual diet [ 208 ].…”

Characterization of Flaxseed Oil Bimodal Emulsions Prepared with Flaxseed Oil Cake Extract Applied as a Natural Emulsifying Agent

“…The valorization of FOC is a relatively new issue, however there are reports about its application in food technology [ 8 , 9 , 18 , 19 ], polymer technology [ 20 ], that indicate the potential of this valuable agro-industrial by-product in the idea of circular economy and sustainable development. Flaxseed oil (oil produced from flaxseed Linum usitatissimum L.) is a source of valuable fatty acids like α-linolenic acid (ALA), which consumption may prevent cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [ 21 ]. However, flaxseed oil a is very susceptible to lipid oxidation in the presence of environmental factors such as oxygen, heat and light, which adversely affect its bioactivity [ 17 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…Flaxseed oil (oil produced from flaxseed Linum usitatissimum L.) is a source of valuable fatty acids like α-linolenic acid (ALA), which consumption may prevent cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [ 21 ]. However, flaxseed oil a is very susceptible to lipid oxidation in the presence of environmental factors such as oxygen, heat and light, which adversely affect its bioactivity [ 17 , 21 , 22 ]. It is known that some oils are used in their emulsified form by applying proteins and/or polysaccharides as emulsifying agents, which increases their stability and the possibility of including them in the diet [ 23 , 24 ].…”