Health Canada Accepts Flaxseed Health Claim to Lower Cholesterol

Health Canada accepted a health claim linking ground whole flaxseed to lowering cholesterol, according to the Flax Council of Canada. Flaxseed has grown in popularity, due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, fiber and other nutritional benefits.

Based upon the strength of the scientific data we submitted, Health Canadas Food Directorate recommended the acceptance of a health claim showing flaxseed can lower blood cholesterol," said William Hill, president of the Flax Council of Canada. This is a proud achievement as Canada is the first country in the world to allow a health-related claim for flaxseed for use on food labels. This claim is one of only a dozen deemed to meet the rigorous scientific criteria established by Health Canada."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provided guidance on the science and the regulatory pathway to substantiate the ability of flax to lower blood cholesterol. It is suggested that the daily consumption of five tablespoons of ground flaxseed will help reduce cholesterol levels. According to Linda Braun, executive director of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission, Canada is the world leader in flax production.

The Flax Council of Canada is a board-based industry association. The council represents and has input from all sectors of the flax industry, including  seed growers, producers, grain handlers, traders, manufacturers, marketing agencies, processors, private and public researchers, educational institutions and governments.