Pharmacological, nutraceutical, and nutritional properties of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): An insight into its functionality and disease mitigation.

ABSTRACT

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is derived from the flax plant, an annual herb. The primary relevance of flaxseed is in the human nutrition sector, where it is emerging as a significant functional food component due to its high level of active chemicals, which have been linked to health benefits. Flaxseed may be consumed in numerous forms, including milled, oil, and bakery items. The phytochemicals that are present in flaxseed have greatly drawn interest as bioactive molecules beneficial for health. It is naturally enriched with alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acid, lignin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, and fiber which are physiologically active in the protection of some chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular stroke. Furthermore, the benefits of flaxseed eating have been demonstrated in the animal nutrition industry, resulting in healthier food from animal origin. In reality, the fatty acid profile of meat and fat in swine and poultry is directly impacted by the source of fat in the diet. Feeding omega-3-enriched diets with flaxseed will improve the omega-3 content in eggs and meat, enriching the products. The current study focuses on the latest evidence on the chemical makeup of flaxseed and its positive benefits.