Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food

Abstract

Flaxseed is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because of its rich contents of α-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3 fatty acid), lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed oil, fibers and flax lignans have potential health benefits such as in reduction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune and neurological disorders. Flax protein helps in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and in supporting the immune system. As a functional food ingredient, flax or flaxseed oil has been incorporated into baked foods, juices, milk and dairy products, muffins, dry pasta products, macaroni and meat products. The present review focuses on the evidences of the potential health benefits of flaxseed through human and animals' recent studies and commercial use in various food products.

Functional Properties and Oxidative Stability of Flaxseed Oil Microencapsulated by Spray Drying Using Legume Proteins in Combination with Soluble Fiber or Trehalose

“…Although flaxseed oil, unlike fish oil, does not contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), it is still gaining popularity due to its high ω-3 fatty acid ALA (α-linolenic acid) content (Goyal et al 2014). The role of ω-3 fatty acids in reducing the risks associated with cardiac and coronary disease, cancer, and other human health risk factors is well known (Gogus and Smith 2010).…”

Fortification of dahi (Indian yoghurt) with omega-3 fatty acids using microencapsulated flaxseed oil microcapsules

“…This high ω-6 to ω-3 ratio could be attributed to the higher consumption of ω-6 rich vegetable oils; and insufficient dietary intake of sea foods in vegan diet. Flaxseed (linseed) oil is the richest plant source of ω-3 fatty acid (α-linolenic acid, ALA: C18:3) and becoming popular due to its various health benefits; which have been comprehensively reviewed by several authors (Gogus and Smith 2010;Goyal et al 2014). Thus, flaxseed oil could be utilized as a functional ingredient for the preparation of potential delivery systems to fulfill the nutritional gap of ω-3 fatty acids in regular diet.…”

A review of natural remedies commonly used by Ethiopian immigrants in the USA

“…It is now produced in Canada, USA, Europe and Africa (12). It belongs to the family Linaceae, and is rich in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (13). Canada is the leading flaxseed producer, followed by China, United States, India and Ethiopia (12).…”

“…Canada is the leading flaxseed producer, followed by China, United States, India and Ethiopia (12). Ethiopia is the fifth largest producer of flaxseed oil worldwide, and it is the country's major oil export second only to Niger seed oil (Guizotia abyssinica) (13,14).…”