Contract number QLK1-CT-2002-71714

The objective of the project is the development of profitable production processes for linseed and linseed products to lignan enriched functional food and to its semiproducts for bakeries and other of food branches.

Linseed is well known and  traditionally used as a source of plant lignans and carbohydrates. Slimy outer polysaccharide of linseed, mucin, has high swelling properties. Linseed contains also polyunsaturated fatty acids. Linseed is one of the richest sources of plant lignans due to its high content of secoisolariciresinol (SECO).

In human colon SECO is converted to mammalian lignans, enterodiol and enterolactone (ENL), which have weak antiestrogenic properties. High urinary or serum ENL concentration has been associated with lowered risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

For the development of a profitable production process basic technological problems have to be solved:

• Stability of lignans to thermal stress and during long term storage
• Fatty acids and oxides (rancidity) on product quality, flavour and taste
• Processing costs (extruders, enzymes, heating, drying, fine grinding)
• The effects of agricultural conditions on the content of lignans.

More about lignans

• http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/lignans/
• www.flaxcouncil.ca/
• www.linseed.com

Project co-ordinator:  

Mr. Heikki Räinä
Raahen Leipätuote Oy, Finland
Mailing address: Siikajoentie 1, FI-92140 Pattijoki, Finland
Tel: +358-8-2659 600, fax: +358-8-2659609
Email: pattijoki@pullapirtti.com