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Draft:Flax Milk

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Flax milk is a plant-based milk made from either milled flaxseed and water or flaxseed oil and water. Other ingredients such as natural flavors, gellan gum, sunflower lecithin, pea protein, and vitamins are added for improved stability, texture, taste, and nutrition.

In Canada and other countries, flax milk may be referred to as flax beverage due to legislation requiring that non-dairy beverages do not use the word "milk." [1]

History

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Flax milk is derived from flaxseeds, which have been cultivated for thousands of years. [2] Flax has a rich history, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia [3] [4] The seeds were valued for their oil and nutritional properities. [5]

The first flax milk product was introduced in 2011 [6], driven by the rising popularity of plant-based diets and dairy alternatives. As consumers sought healthier options, flax milk emerged as a viable alternative due to its nutritional profile and sustainability.

Nutrition

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Flax milk is low in calories and contains no cholesterol. Key nutritional component include:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), flax milk is a source of plant-based omega-3s.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Flax milk is often fortified with vitamins like B12, D, and calcium, making it a suitable option for those on vegan or vegetarian diets.
  • Protein: While lower in protein compared to cow's milk, some brands enhance flax milk with additional protein sources like pea protein.
  • Fiber: Flax milk made with milled flaxseed retains its fiber content, contributing to digestive health and adding beneficial antioxidants known as lignans. Flax milk that is made with flaxseed oil, has little to no fiber from flaxseed.

Market

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The market for plant-based milk has expanded rapidly, with flax milk being one of the alternatives gaining traction alongside almond, soy, and oat milk. Key factors driving its growth include:

  • Health Trends: Increasing awareness of health benefits and dietary restrictions (lactose intolerance, veganism) encourages consumers to explore alternatives.
  • Sustainability: Flax farming requires less water than dairy production or almond production because it is a dryland crop. This makes it appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Variety: The availability of flavored options (vanilla, chocolate) and unsweetened versions cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Major brands in the flax milk market include Good Karma, Manitoba Milling Company, Lechia and others, often positioning their products as nutritious, sustainable, and versatile for cooking and baking.

Health Benefits

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  • Cardiovascular Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in flax milk may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health. [7] [8] [9]
  • Bone Health: Fortification with calcium and vitamin D can help in maintaining strong bones, particularly important for those not consuming dairy.
  • Digestive Health: The soluble fiber found in whole flaxseeds may support digestive health. [10] However, flax milk made with flaxseed oil will likely not have enough fiber to supply this benefit.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Omega-3s and lignans present in flax may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease. [11] [12]
  • Weight Management: Low in claories and with a favorable fat profile, flax milk can be included in weight management diets. [13] [14]

References

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  1. ^ "Labelling requirements for dairy products". Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). 2018. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/dairy#s11c14
  2. ^ Yong-Bi Fu, Axel Diederichsen, Robin G. Allaby, "Locus-specific view of flax domestication history," Ecology and Evolution, Vol. 2, No. 1 (2012):1633-53, https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.57
  3. ^ “Flax Production in the Seventeenth Century,” National Park Service, 2015, https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/flax-production-in-the-seventeenth-century.htm
  4. ^ Yong-Bi Fu, Axel Diederichsen, Robin G. Allaby, "Locus-specific view of flax domestication history," Ecology and Evolution, Vol. 2, No. 1 (2012):1633-53, https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.57
  5. ^ Ankit Goyal et al., “Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food,” J Food Sci Technol., Vol. 51, No. 9(2014):1633-53, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9
  6. ^ “Introducing Flaxmilk – The First All Natural Non-Dairy Milk Product Made from Flax Oil,” PR Newswire, June 06, 2011, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-flaxmilk----the-first-all-natural-non-dairy-milk-product-made-from-flax-oil-123218208.html
  7. ^ Delfin Rodriquez-Leyva et al., “Potent Antihypertensive Action of Dietary Flaxseed in Hypertensive Patients,” Hypertension, Vol. 62, No. 6(2013), https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.02094
  8. ^ An Pan et al., “Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipids,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 90, No. 2(2009):288-297, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.27469
  9. ^ Motahareh Sadat Masjedi PhD student, Pardis Mohammadi Pour PhD student, Yalda Shokoohinia, Sedigheh Asgary, “Effects of Flaxseed on Blood Lipids in Healthy and Dyslipidemic Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” Current Problems in Cardiology, Vol. 47, No. 7(2022), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2021.100931
  10. ^ Wioletta Nowak, Malgorzata Jeziorek, “The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health,” Healthcare (Basel), Vol. 11, No. 3(2023):395, https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030395
  11. ^ Wioletta Nowak, Malgorzata Jeziorek, “The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health,” Healthcare (Basel), Vol. 11, No. 3(2023):395, https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030395
  12. ^ Mehran Rahimlou, Nasrin Banaie Jahromi, Nazila Hasanyani, Amirhossein Ramezani Ahmadi, “Effects of Flaxseed Interventions on Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” Advances in Nutrition, Vol. 10, No. 6(2019):1108-1119, https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmz048
  13. ^ Wioletta Nowak, Malgorzata Jeziorek, “The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health,” Healthcare (Basel), Vol. 11, No. 3(2023):395, https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030395
  14. ^ Vali Musazadeh et al. “The effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on anthropometric indices: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials,” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Vol. 84, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103066
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