Written by Jessica Patella, ND. This article discusses the use of flax seed which significantly improved blood sugar levels, as well as total cholesterol.
Diabetes affects 25.8 million children and adults in the United States and 171 million people worldwide 1,2. The cost of diabetes in America is a staggering $245 billion each year, with $176 billion for direct medical costs and $69 billion in reduced productivity 2. Extensive research shows that nutrition and diet play a role in preventing and controlling the development of diabetes 1. Recent research has found that flax-seed powder reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved other markers of diabetes 1.
Flax seed is commonly consumed as the whole seed, ground powder or as oil. Because flaxseed is high in fat, protein and fiber, it has a low glycemic index, which means it does not spike blood sugar levels when consumed 1.
The recent research included 30 participants with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for 3-5 years. Participants were divided into either the flax-seed group or the control group. The flax-seed group received flax-seed powder to take twice per day with meals (5 grams with lunch, 5 grams with dinner; n=18) for 1-month. The control group (n=11) was not given any flax-seed supplementation or placebo 1.
After 1 month, the flaxseed group had significant improvements in blood sugar levels. Fasting blood sugar was significantly lowered (160.5 +/- 47.1 to 131.6 +/-38.5 mg/dl; p<0.05). Hemoglobin A1C was also significantly lowered (8.75 +/- 1.8 to 8.16 +/- 1.34; p<0.001) despite the trial only lasting 1 month 1. Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of how “sticky” the red blood cells are from sugar. Red blood cells have a lifespan of 3 months, so typically changes are not seen in hemoglobin A1C for at least 3 months. This gives promise that future research over longer periods may show more benefit 1.
Significant improvements in lipid levels were also shown in the flax-seed group. Total cholesterol was significantly lowered (200.3 +/- 39.8 to 175.1 +/- 34.7 mg/dl; p<0.001), triglycerides were significantly lowered (197.4 +/- 86.1 to 167.9 +/- 56.5 mg/dl; p<0.001) and LDL or “bad” cholesterol was also significantly lowered (115.4 +/- 36/9 to 96.3 +/- 29.3 mg/dl; p<0.005) 1.
There were no changes in the control group in any measurement 1.
In conclusion, flax-seed powder improved markers of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The research is promising with great results, although the study should be confirmed with more participants, over a period of at least 3 months and with a placebo group.
Source: Mani, Uliyar Vitaldas, et al. “An open-label study on the effect of flax seed powder (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation in the management of diabetes mellitus.” Journal of dietary supplements 8.3 (2011): 257-265.
Copyright © 2017 Informa UK Limited
Posted September 4, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Mani UV, Mani I, Biswas M, Kumar SN. An open-label study on the effect of flax seed powder (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation in the management of diabetes mellitus. J Diet Suppl. 2011;8(3):257-265.
- Association AD. Diabetes Statistics – National Diabetes Fact Sheet. 2011.
