Flaxseed:A Potential Source of Food, Feed and Fiber
Flaxseed:A Potential Source of Food, Feed and Fiber
Year: 2011
Authors: Singh, K.K. Mridula, D. Rehal, J. Barnwal, P.
Publication Name: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Publication Details: Volume 51; Pages 210-222.
Abstract:
Flaxseed is one of the most important oilseed crops for industrial as well as food, feed, and fiber purposes. Almost every part of the flaxseed plant is utilized commercially, either directly or after processing. The stem yields good quality fiber having high strength and durability. The seed provides oil rich in omega-3, digestible proteins, and lignans. In addition to being one of the richest sources of α-linolenic acid oil and lignans, flaxseed is an essential source of high quality protein and soluble fiber and has considerable potential as a source of phenolic compounds. Flaxseed is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because of its rich contents of α-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and fiber. Lignans appear to be anti-carcinogenic compounds. The omega-3s and lignan phytoestrogens of flaxseed are in focus for their benefits for a wide range of health conditions and may possess chemo-protective properties in animals and humans. This paper presents a review of literature on the nutritional composition of flaxseed, its health benefits, and disease-prevention qualities, utilization of flaxseed for food, feed, and fiber, and processing of flaxseed. (Author's abstract)
Every part of flaxseed can be utilized commercially, either directly or after processing. The stem yields good quality fiber having high strength and durability. The seed provides oil rich in omega-3, digestible proteins, and lignans. Flaxseed is one of the most important oilseed crops of the world, cultivated in over 2.6 million ha. The growing countries are India, Canada, China, United States, and Ethiopia. Canada is the worlds largest producer of flax and accounts for nearly 80% of the global trade in flax. There are two main types of flax grown worldwide, fiber flax and seed flax. Fiber flax is mainly grown in Europe. Seed flax is grown worldwide for its oilseed. Flaxseed is unique among oilseeds because of its exceptionally high content of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) and lignans. Flaxseed oil can be used as a vegetarian source of dietary omega-3 fatty acids. The flaxseed hull is a concentrated source of lignans, i.e., 30.9 mg/g hull vs. 12.9 mg/g whole seed which might possess impressive cancer preventive properties, especially against breast and colon cancer. Flaxseed and meal have traditionally been used primarily in equine and bovine diets and laying hen ration. Flaxseed is a potential source of high quality protein, soluble fiber, and phenolic compounds. Studies show that flaxseed has tremendous potential in disease prevention particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (breast, colon, and prostate cancer), and constipation and also affects immunity favorably. In this comprehensive review the authors conclude that flaxseed has tremendous potential to be used as human food, animal feed, and good quality fiber. (Editor's comments)
Every part of flaxseed can be utilized commercially, either directly or after processing. The stem yields good quality fiber having high strength and durability. The seed provides oil rich in omega-3, digestible proteins, and lignans. Flaxseed is one of the most important oilseed crops of the world, cultivated in over 2.6 million ha. The growing countries are India, Canada, China, United States, and Ethiopia. Canada is the worlds largest producer of flax and accounts for nearly 80% of the global trade in flax. There are two main types of flax grown worldwide, fiber flax and seed flax. Fiber flax is mainly grown in Europe. Seed flax is grown worldwide for its oilseed. Flaxseed is unique among oilseeds because of its exceptionally high content of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) and lignans. Flaxseed oil can be used as a vegetarian source of dietary omega-3 fatty acids. The flaxseed hull is a concentrated source of lignans, i.e., 30.9 mg/g hull vs. 12.9 mg/g whole seed which might possess impressive cancer preventive properties, especially against breast and colon cancer. Flaxseed and meal have traditionally been used primarily in equine and bovine diets and laying hen ration. Flaxseed is a potential source of high quality protein, soluble fiber, and phenolic compounds. Studies show that flaxseed has tremendous potential in disease prevention particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (breast, colon, and prostate cancer), and constipation and also affects immunity favorably. In this comprehensive review the authors conclude that flaxseed has tremendous potential to be used as human food, animal feed, and good quality fiber. (Editor's comments)
