WWW.FLAXLIGNANINFO.COM WILL SERVE AS CENTRAL CONSUMER RESOURCE FOR FLAX LIGNAN NEWS AND RESEARCH

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 18, 2005 – Addressing a growing need for objective, accurate information on flax lignans, the Flax Lignan Information Bureau (www.flaxlignaninfo.com) launched to provide the facts on one of the hottest commodities in today’s natural products marketplace.
 
The Flax Lignan Information Bureau is a central online resource dedicated to educating consumers, retailers and others about this powerful ingredient. Research demonstrates flax lignans may play a crucial role in promoting prostate, bone, breast and heart health, preventing hair loss and acne, reducing symptoms of menopause and inflammation, and may prove beneficial in preventing cancer.

“We created The Flax Lignan Information Bureau to fill the void of objective flax lignan information and direction in the marketplace. The Flax Lignan Information Bureau communicates the importance of a diet rich in flax lignans, demonstrates the flax lignan content of various products and provides a central communication vehicle for genuine research testifying to the wide range of health benefits of flax lignans,” said Jocelyn Mathern, R.D., Flax Lignan Information Bureau Advisory Board member.  “Now, consumers have a central, educational resource that magnifies and explores the crucial role of this popular natural ingredient.”

The site delivers the science on flax lignans, including the latest research for overall health as well as health benefits specific to men and women’s wellness. The Flax Lignan Information Bureau provides links to relevant flax and health and wellness web sites. Visitors will find answers to frequently asked questions as well as breaking news from the flax lignan industry. Recipe ideas provide consumers with convenient ways to incorporate flax lignans into their diet.

A key objective of the Flax Lignan Information Bureau is to educate consumers on the different lignan-rich flax products including flaxseed, flax oil and supplements by providing background information, tips for purchasing and product label information on flax lignan content.

“It is vital for consumers to understand the actual amount of lignans a product contains in order to receive nutritional value for their purchase. The Flax Lignan Information Bureau helps consumers understand the meaning behind ‘high lignan’ products so they can make informed purchasing decisions,” said Marian Verbruggen, Ph.D., Flax Lignan Information Bureau Advisory Board member. “To ensure consumers are getting beneficial amounts of flax lignans, the Flax Lignan Information Bureau urges consumers to look for flax products with a label containing a SDG amount ensuring there is a standardized amount of lignans per serving.”

While flax has been touted for centuries for its good flavor and nutritional properties, health conscious consumers today are increasing the demand for functional foods and dietary supplements enriched with flax due to the escalating amount of potential health benefits.

Flax lignans are phytonutrients found in unrefined grains, legumes, certain vegetables and seeds. Flax is the richest source of lignans, providing 75 – 800 times more lignans than most other plant sources. They are phytoestrogens, or naturally occurring plant estrogens, that can have a balancing effect on hormones. Lignans also exhibit strong antioxidant activities. Based on research, consumers need a minimum of 50mg a day of SDG, the main flaxseed lignan, to reap the health benefits attributed to the ingredient.

The Flax Lignan Information Bureau will continue to evolve as the flax lignan industry grows. Advisory Board members said they plan to introduce additional features in the coming months to build an educational dialogue with consumers.

For more information on flax lignans, visit www.flaxlignaninfo.com.

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The Flax Lignan Information Bureau’s mission is to increase awareness and understanding of the antioxidant and phytonutrient, flax lignans, and educate the general public on the specific health benefits lignans provide and current and ongoing scientific research. The Bureau works to promote flax lignans in the interest of improving health and wellness and decreasing disease incidence.  Members of the Flax Lignan Information Bureau Advisory Board are chosen for their knowledge of flaxseed and lignans, scientific research and nutrition. The Flax Lignan Information Bureau Web site, www.flaxlignaninfo.com, is sponsored by a grant from Acatris Inc.

Elizabeth Elegant  
eelegant@mww.com
MWW Group
312-853-3131