Flaxseeds: The next food frontier

Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) are widely recognized as a functional food due to their rich composition of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, fiber, and proteins. The present review evaluates published evidence regarding the bioactive constituents of flaxseeds and their associated health benefits. Existing studies demonstrate that flaxseed consumption is associated with improvements in cardiovascular parameters, including reductions in blood pressure and lipid levels. Additionally, flaxseeds exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, metabolic, and bone-protective effects primarily attributed to α-linolenic acid and lignans. Despite these promising findings, challenges related to bioactive stability and bioavailability remain important considerations. Overall, flaxseeds represent a promising dietary intervention with potential applications in disease prevention and health promotion.