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.
Keywords:
cancer; cardiovascular; diabetes; flaxseed; functional food; menopause; microbiome; nutraceutical.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
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Antioxidants / pharmacology
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Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
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Brain / drug effects
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Butylene Glycols / pharmacology
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Butylene Glycols / therapeutic use
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Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
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Diet*
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Dietary Fiber / pharmacology
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Dietary Fiber / therapeutic use
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Dietary Supplements
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
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Female
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Flax / chemistry*
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Functional Food
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy
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Glucosides / pharmacology
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Glucosides / therapeutic use
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Hormones / metabolism
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Humans
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Lignans / pharmacology
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Lignans / therapeutic use
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Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
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Neoplasms / therapy
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Seeds / chemistry*
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alpha-Linolenic Acid / pharmacology
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alpha-Linolenic Acid / therapeutic use
Substances
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Antioxidants
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Butylene Glycols
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Dietary Fiber
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3
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Glucosides
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Hormones
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Lignans
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alpha-Linolenic Acid
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secoisolariciresinol diglucoside