Highlights on Functional Foods, with Special Reference to Flaxseed

Abstract

Functional food is any food or food ingredients that may provide a health benefit through prevention or treatment of diseases and disorders. Flaxseed is emerging as one of the key sources of nutrients and phytochemicals in the functional food arena. It is a leading source of alpha linolenic acid. Flaxseed also contains soluble fiber, gum, high quality protein and phenolic compound, lignans, therefore it is considered as a rich source of functional food ingredients that may have specific health advantages. It has potential health benefits in reducing the incidence of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. It also has beneficial effects on platelet aggregation and immune function. Flaxseed protein can be used as physiologic functional foods for patients with malnutrition during chronic liver diseases. Flaxseed lignans can control renal diseases and combat menopause symptoms.