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Dietary flaxseed: what we know and don't know about its effects on cardiovascular disease.

Authors :
Parikh M
Pierce GN
Source :
Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology [Can J Physiol Pharmacol] 2019 Feb; Vol. 97 (2), pp. 75-81. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Dec 18.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is composed of a unique combination of bioactive components that appear to generate, through either an isolated or a synergistic action, a significant beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. With a significant increase in the generation of data on the dietary impact of flaxseed on the cardiovascular system, a review of where we stand - what we know and what we still need to understand about these effects on the heart and the vasculature - was thought to be of value and the rationale for this paper. For example, although we now know how to deliver the bioactives most efficiently (oil versus ground seed versus whole seed), we do not know how different foods can influence that delivery. Further, we know flaxseed has anti-arrhythmic, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering actions in animal studies and some selected human trials but much more needs to be learned, particularly in human trials. These results have justified further commitment of resources to the initiation of human trials. Because of the impact of nutrition on many chronic diseases, this may not only be true for the effects of flaxseed on cardiovascular disease but may be just as relevant for many other disease conditions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1205-7541
Volume :
97
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30562057
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1139/cjpp-2018-0547