Investigation of prebiotics and antioxidant activity of flaxseed in yogurt and yogurt beverages (kefir)- a new alternative dietary therapy to prevent CVD

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Natunola Health Inc. is home to the world's first flaxseed shelling plant in Winchester, Ontario. Natunola is a key producer of shelled, high omega-3 flaxseed ingredients, including flax kernel, powder and hull lignans for use in various food and nutraceutical applications. Natunola is expanding on its patented technologies and in 2008 was awarded the Canadian Agri- Food Award of Excellence for its flaxseed technology marketed in the natural food industry. This is one of the most prestigious awards within the agricultural and agri-food industry to recognize an innovative contribution to this sector. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of bioactives including omega-3 fatty acid, mucilage (soluble fibre) and lignans (diphenolics). Studies have shown that the above bioactives in flaxseeds involved in important biological functions in the human body with key benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as helping to protect against certain types of cancer [1]. Recently, Natunola has encountered some challenges in making an innovative formulation to develop new lines of flaxseed-yogurt and flaxseed-yogurt beverages. As they do not have the in-house capabilities, analytical tools and research personnel to solve this problem, they have turned to my lab and this new collaboration in order to do so. This is my first time collaboration with Natunola Health Inc. and we believe this study will lead to a NSERC-CRD if the project is successful.