More than half of the fatty acid composition of linseed extract is α linolenic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid is mainly decomposed by chain elongase and desaturase in liver cells to generate polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA. Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. It cannot be synthesized in the human body and is an essential fatty acid for the human body. Its functions mainly include the following aspects:
1. Promote brain development and intellectual development
Fat in the brain is a "structural" fat that makes up cell membranes and plays an important role in cells. It is the core substance of human life, of which DHA accounts for 30% of the total. Therefore, alpha-linolenic acid is of great help in promoting brain development and intellectual development.
2. Protect eyesight
DHA accounts for about 65% of the optic nerve cells, and the lack of DHA in the body is likely to cause damage to eye function, such as decreased vision, decreased ability to recover retinal reflexes, etc. As a precursor of DHA, α-linolenic acid plays an important role in protecting eyesight.
3. Lower blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
Studies have shown that alpha-linolenic acid can significantly reduce serum triglycerides and cholesterol. The presence of thrombosis mainly causes cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Thrombosis is mainly caused by the damage of the inner wall of blood vessels and the interaction of coagulation factors in platelets. Studies have confirmed that α-linolenic acid has a certain inhibitory effect on thrombus formation. It mainly inhibits thrombus by changing the fluidity of platelet membrane, thereby affecting the number of receptors produced by platelets after stress.
4. Anti-inflammatory effect
Inflammation is a normal part of the body's immune response. Long-standing systemic inflammation can cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and neurological diseases. When the human body has an allergic reaction, it is mainly because of the arachidonic acid produced by the body. Alpha-linolenic acid can reduce the content of arachidonic acid and polynuclear leukocytes produced by the body. The reason is that the metabolite of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, competes with arachidonic acid. Most allergic reactions and chronic inflammations are associated with platelet coagulation factors. Alpha-linolenic acid has an inhibitory effect on coagulation factors, so alpha-linolenic acid has a certain preventive effect on allergic reactions and chronic inflammation.
Summary
The nutrients in flaxseed are getting more and more attention, especially active substances like alpha linolenic acid. These active substances have certain practical value in functional foods, medicines, food additives, feeds, etc., and can also produce good economic and social benefits.