About the Cover
On the cover: Flax has been grown for at least 7,000 years, having originated in the Middle East
and spread to Europe about 3,000 years ago. The fibers have been used to make linen, the oil
(also known as linseed oil) primarily in paints and varnishes. In recent years, the seed has been
recognized as a rich source of lignans and omega-3 fatty acids. See the article by Bhathena et al.
(pg. 157). "The Flax Dam at Dunseverick" is an 8 x 3 foot acrylic on board mural by Brian P.
Willis that was created from a 70 year old photograph showing the process of retting bundles of
flax to soften the stems in water. The mural was commissioned for a greengrocer's shop in
Northern Ireland. Reproduced with kind permission of the artist.
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Copyright © 2003 by the American College of Nutrition.
