Flax Bioactive
Compounds for Human Health
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is prized by
health-conscious consumers around the world due to the
numerous health benefits attributed to this oilseed. It
is gaining popularity in the nutritional marketplace for
its oil which is a rich source of the omega 3 fatty
acid, the alpha-linolenic acid and its high
concentration of antioxidant and phytoestrogenic lignans,
as well as soluble fiber (Muir & Westcott, 2003).
Oil constitutes 32-45% of the seed of which 51-55% is
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n-3). Experimental
studies, including evidence from randomized controlled
trials, have reported the beneficial effects of omega-3
fatty acids in patients with preexisting cardiovascular
disease (CVD) as well as in healthy individuals.
Large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that
individuals at risk for CVD benefit from the consumption
of plant- and marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids.
Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies
suggests that total intake of approximately 1.5 to 3 g/d
ALA seem to be beneficial (Kris-Etherton et al., 2002).
Numerous intervention studies have established the
beneficial effects of ALA on reducing the risk of
adverse cardiac events.
References:
Kris-Etherton, PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ for the Nutrition
Committee. 2002. Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3
Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation.
106:2747.
Muir, A.D. and N.D. Westcott, eds. Flax: The Genus Linum.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles, ed.
R. Hardman. Vol. 34. 2003, Taylor & Francis: London and
New York. 307.
Contact:
Kelley Fitzpatrick,
Coordinator FLAX CANADA 2015
367 Niagara St.
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
R3N 0V3
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