Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk.
Flaxseed has recently gained attention in the area of cardiovascular disease primarily because it is the richest known source of both alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the phytoestrogen, lignans, as well as being a good source of soluble fiber. Human studies have shown that flaxseed can modestly reduce serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, reduce postprandial glucose absorption, decrease some markers of inflammation, and raise serum levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid. Data on the antiplatelet, antioxidant, and hypotensive effects of flaxseed, however, are inconclusive. More research is needed to define the role of this functional food in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Bloedon
LeAnne T
LT
School of Nursing, The Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA.
Szapary
Philippe O
PO
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry*; D058870:Food, Organic; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017705:Lignans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D012307:Risk Factors; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D017705:Lignans; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D002784:Cholesterol