Positive effects of flaxseed consumption on flow-mediated dilation and inflammation – New Research
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most common among non-communicable diseases (1). In recent years, medical research has moved toward almost a unifying theory – of chronic disease as a consequence of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a controlled, ordered process whereby the body responds to infection or injury. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, Read More
Flaxseed mucilage – A novel prebiotic
Emerging research suggests that flaxseed mucilage has interesting prebiotic activity in the body (1). Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines (2). Generally fibers, prebiotics are found in asparagus, garlic, onion, fruits, whole grains and legumes. In supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria over harmful bacteria in Read More
Flaxseed and Menopause
Flaxseed contains about 1-2% total phenolic compounds of which the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is a major component. Lignans are phytoestrogens that are found in many plants, but flaxseed is the richest source. The predominant lignan in flaxseed is SDG, though small amounts of other lignans are also present, including pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and matairesinol. After Read More
Associations of fats and carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 18 countries from five continents (PURE): a prospective cohort study
Associations of fats and carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 18 countries from five continents (PURE): a prospective cohort study The relationship between the roles of fat intake and different fatty acids in the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality is controversial. Newly posted under the “Cardiovascular Disease” section are the results Read More
Flaxseed improves Diabetic outcomes
Flaxseed lignans, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and dietary fibre have been studied for effectiveness in reducing and preventing diabetes. High blood levels of glucose (hyperglycemia) due to defective insulin metabolism are associated with diabetes (1). Type 1 diabetes (T2D) is caused by an absence of insulin secretion. Type 2 diabetes which results from a combination of Read More
Unique Oxylipins derived from Alpha-linolenic acid
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease CVD, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. A unifying mechanism by which flaxseed may lower the risk of these diseases is via its role in reducing inflammation (1). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from flaxseed may decrease inflammation via its influence on eicosanoids – hormone-like Read More
The Effect of Flaxseed in Breast Cancer: A Literature Review
Over the last decade there has been an increased interest in the role that flaxseed may play in reducing the onset of various forms of cancer. Flaxseed is a nutrient-dense food that contains three components that may help to lower cancer risk: the plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), representing 1% of dry weight, the omega-3 Read More
Health Benefits of Flaxseed Lignans
Studying the health benefits of flaxseed lignans continues to stimulate interest within the research community. Lignans belong to a group of compounds commonly referred to as phytoestrogens (“plant estrogens”). Non-steroidal in nature, lignans have an affinity for estrogen receptors α and β and other cellular receptors (1). Flaxseed is the richest source of the lignan Read More
Fatty acid composition effects on Hunger
Body weight gain results from an imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. High fat diets (more than 40% of energy from fat) have been reported to be a causative effect in the obesity crisis (1). There are three appetite hormones commonly studied following nutrient ingestion – ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Read More
Dietary long chain omega 3 fatty acids intakes remain low supporting the need for flaxseed
Despite years of research and promotion, dietary fish-based long chain omega 3 fatty acids intakes remain low – even in populations with ample access to seafood. The newest data supports the need for flaxseed omega 3, alpha-linolenic acid in the diet. North Americans simply do not eat enough fatty fish and long chain omega 3 Read More