EVALUATION OF FATTY ACIDS PROFILE AND THE CONTENT OF SOME SECONDARY METABOLITES IN SEEDS OF DIFFERENT FLAX CULTIVARS (LINUM USITATISSIMUM L.)

Summary. Flax seed oils currently sold on the worldwide market are not governed by specific standards or specifications. Consumption of flax ( Linum usitatissimum) seeds is beneficial for human health. Flax seeds, containing about 36-40 % oil are the richest (among crop plants) source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) essential in the human diet. PUFA are highly susceptible to oxidation. Five flax cultivars (Sakha 1, Sakha 2, Giza 8, Lithuania and Aryana) were studied to determine protein profile and contents of fatty acids, unsaponifiable matter, total lipids, total tocopherols, total phenolics and total flavonoids in order to assess the nutritional value of flax seeds. No differences between flax cultivars were noticed in the protein profile, fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter content. In contrary, significant differences were established in total tocopherols, total phenolics and total flavonoids. Cvs. Giza 8 and Lithuania showed the highest levels of total tocopherols, total phenolics and total flavonoids among all flaxseed cultivars. Thus, our results suggest that these two cultivars are suitable for commercial use of edible oil.