We don’t think of the gut when we think of cardio vascular diseases (CVD); however these two areas of the body are indeed linked. Lipid oxidation can cause chronic inflammations that could be a major risk factor for oxidative stress (e.g. heart disease). Because inflammation can be painless and frequently goes undetected, its relationship to disease has been poorly understood. Thus reduction of oxidation/inflammation will lead to improved levels of oxidative stress and lowered incidence of related diseases. Dietary fibers (DF) are nondigestible oligosaccharides and have been shown to enhance mineral (e.g. Ca, P, Mg) absorption and bone mineral accumulation when combined with probiotic bacteria. In plants, DF are mainly in conjugations with phenolics. DF can pass through the small intestine to the lower gut where they become available for some colonic bacteria. Flaxseed (usitatissimum L) is one of the richest sources of bioactives including omega-3 fatty acid, mucilage (soluble fibre) and lignans (diphenolics). Flaxseed mucilage is a by-product/leftover that is obtained after extraction of the flaxseed oil. Flaxseed contains approximately 28% dietary fibre in a ratio% of soluble to insoluble fibre of 20:80. Yogurt and kefir (fermented dairy products) are an important part of a healthy diet with demonstrated benefits to bone and dental health and overall body functioning properly. In Canada, production of yogurt sold increased by 45% between 2000 and 2013. The kefir market is growing rapidly and gaining popularity around the world, especially in Canada and the United States. Fermentation can be used as a novel tool to incorporate flaxseed DF into yogurt and kefir to enhance the bioactivity and nutritional value of the food product.

The Science Café series is organized by the Faculty of Science at Carleton University to discuss relevant issues facing our society and how science can help solve real-world problems. Meet some of our award-winning faculty members and graduate students as they share their excitement about science with the community.