Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health

Mihir Parikh; Thane  G. Maddaford; J.  Alejandro Austria; Michel Aliani; Thomas Netticadan; Grant  N. Pierce

doi:10.3390/nu11051171

Nutrients (May 2019)

Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health

Mihir Parikh,
Thane G. Maddaford,
J. Alejandro Austria,
Michel Aliani,
Thomas Netticadan,
Grant N. Pierce

Affiliations

Mihir Parikh: Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
Thane G. Maddaford: Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
J. Alejandro Austria: Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
Michel Aliani: Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM), Albrechtsen Research Centre, St Boniface Hospital, 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
Thomas Netticadan: Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
Grant N. Pierce: Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051171
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11, no. 5
p. 1171

Abstract

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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.

Published in Nutrients

ISSN: 2072-6643 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Home economics: Nutrition. Foods and food supply
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients

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Abstract

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