Flaxseed: A Nutritional Smash for Superior Health

Flaxseed is mainly considered as oilseed crop. Moreover, the other nutritional parameters than its oil content, make it more favorable choice for food technologist to develop functional foods. Several studies reveal that these components work well for nutritional benefit in human being. Scientific evidence supports flaxseed consumption; however, a large sector of the population is still unaware of the benefits associated to its consumption and its possible applications as functional food ingredient in foodstuffs. Flaxseed is mainly known by its high alpha-linolenic acid content, but it is also a lignan source, soluble fibre and protein, compounds which are biologically active in the prevention of some non-transmissible chronic diseases. Flaxseed dietary fiber exhibits positive effect to reduce constipation, to keep better bowel movement and as hypocholestermic agent. As compared to soyabean and canola, flaxseed antinutrient effect on human health is very less. Researchers reported that flaxseed incorporated food products can have good consumer acceptability along with its nutritional benefits. Keywords— Flaxseed; oil; protein; lignan.