Flax

Alister D. Muir, Neil D. Westcott

Introduction - History of the Cultivation and Uses of Flaxseed. Cultivated Flax and the Genus Linum L.: Taxonomy and Germplasm Conservation. Chemical Studies on the Constituents of Linum spp. Cultivation of Flax. Principle Diseases of Flax. Principle Insect Pests of Flax. The Contribution of á-Linolenic Acid in Flaxseed to Human Health. The Role of Flaxseed Lignans in Hormone-dependent and Independent Cancer. Flaxseed in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Flaxseed and Flaxseed Lignans: Effects on the Progression and Severity of Renal Failure. Mammalian Metabolism of Flax Lignans. Flaxseed Constituents and Human Health. Traditional Food and Medicinal Uses of Flaxseed. Use of Flaxseed in Animal Diets to Create Consumer Products with Modified Fatty Acid Profiles. Current Market Trends and Economic Importance of Oilseed Flax. Current Regulatory Status of Flaxseed and Commercial Products Canada.