Excellent antioxidant power

DNA in human cells is vulnerable to free radical attacks, thereby leading to various diseases. At this moment we need antioxidants to help protect our bodies. Flaxseed is rich in polyphenols, mostly lignans, a unique phytonutrient which is seven times more abundant in flaxseed than in sesame seed, ranked in the second place. Lignans and linolenic acid can reduce the risk of certain diseases (such as inflammation, Parkinson's disease and asthma) by helping to stop the release of certain pro-inflammatory substances.

Studies in animals and humans have found that lignans lower levels of pro-inflammatory substances. Flaxseed helps prevent heart attacks and strokes by reducing inflammation related to the build-up of fatty plaque on arteries.

Abundant α-linolenic acid

Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA), which may transform into other omega-3 fatty acids in the human body. This enables flaxseed to benefit the heart, brain and nervous system, and fight inflammation.

The concept of superfood was first raised by physicians engaged in diet therapy in the U.S. in 1980. Superfood is defined as "a natural nutrient-rich food with higher nutrition than ordinary foods and with lower calories, and considered to be beneficial for health," which has something in common with the ancient Chinese thought of homology of medicine and food. The definition of superfood by Japan Superfoods Association is as follows: 1) It is nutritionally balanced and has higher nutritional value than general foods or contains a lot of prominent nutrition and healthy components; 2) It is a type of food between general food and health food with both the functions of food materials and healthy products. From whichever definition we can see that the key measuring standard for superfood is comprehensive and balanced nutrition. Flaxseed is a well-deserved superfood.

International markets and regulations

Flaxseed, as a superfood, sells as well as chia seed in the Japanese market. According to the data released by Flax Association of Japan, domestic demand for flaxseed in Japan reached 10,000 tons in 2016, 10 times the 2014 figure of 1,000 tons in as short as two years.

In 2009, FDA reviewed and approved the security data of flaxseed and flaxseed powder, which are administered as GRAS (GRN No. 280). In 2014, Health Canada approved the health claim that whole flaxseed reduces cholesterol and said that flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acid and fiber, and can be consumed either directly or after grinding, with a higher nutrient utilization for the latter. Nearly 300 flaxseed-based products are estimated to be launched in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, flaxseed is used to feed hens to produce eggs containing higher level of omega-3 fatty acid that are favored by the market. At present, flaxseed is widely used in the food industry in such items as biscuits, muffins, oats, energy bars and the like.

Development of whole industry chain of flaxseed

Flaxseed can now be eaten as a food. However, what producers of flaxseed oil should consider more is how to use flaxseed in a comprehensive manner. The domestic development of flaxseed now mainly targets omega-3 fatty acid. The byproducts after oil manufacture are sold as feeding stuff. An overall development of flaxseed lignans, proteins, flaxseed gum(polysaccharide) and other products should be taken into consideration as well. We still have a long way to go in the research and application of this product as a type of food.