Linseed and Linseed Oil: Health Benefits- a Review

Linseed is an important oil crop cultivated worldwide for oil and fiber. Linseed oil has health benefits and disease preventive properties on coronary heart disease, some kinds of cancer, neurological and hormonal disorders. Linseed Linum usitattissimum family Linaceae) has been traditionally used as functional food. Linseed oil is the richest source of ALA, which makes about 55–60% of total fatty acids. Linseed is rich in fat, protein and dietary fiber. Generally linseed contains 40% oil, 30% diet fiber, 20% protein, 4% ash and 6% moisture. The most important constituents of linseed is 41% FAT, 28% dietary fiber, 21% PRO, and 3% CHO, source of magnesium, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins, Soluble fibers (25%) and insoluble fiber (75%). Linseed oil is 73% PUFA, 18% MUFA, 9% SFA richest source of Omega 3-fatty acid, ALA 55% of total fatty acids. Good source of phytoestrogen called lignans possible use in breast cancer prevention. Linseed shows evidence of digestibility, bioactive peptides, antimicrobial, anti-Parkinson’s, anti-proliferative, antihypertensive, anticancer, immune enhancing, antiulcer and antioxidant activities. This review covers beneficial effect of linseed and linseed oil on health.