Key Findings:
Flaxseed has been shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory compounds such as C Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha which are implicated as well in obesity. These biomarkers were significantly reduced in this study in which subjects were fed a high level (60 g) of flaxseed added to a weight loss diet. Associations have been reported between increased TNF minus α and decreased anti-inflammatory adipocytes, known as adiponectin. In this trial, both groups increased adiponectin blood levels. The findings show that a weight loss diet is important to reduce inflammation markers and that flaxseed could further contribute to these positive results.
Abstract:
Background: Flaxseed has received attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role. The present study hypothesizes if flaxseed added to a weight loss diet could improve the lipid and metabolic profiles and decrease risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. Methods In a prospective, single blinded 42 days protocol, subjects were allocated into two groups with low carbohydrates intake: GriceLC (35 per cent of carbohydrate and 60g of raw rice powder per day) and GflaxLC (32 per cent of carbohydrate and 60g of flaxseed powder per day). Blood pressure, anthropometric measures and serum levels of isoprostane, C-reactive protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, glucose, lipidic profile, uric acid, adiponectin, leptin and insulin were measured at baseline and at the end of interventions. Serum and urinary enterodiol and enterolactione were also measured. Results A total of 27 men with cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated, with mean age of 33 plus or minus 10 years to GriceLC and 40 plus or minus 9 years to GflaxLC. Both groups experienced weight loss and systolic blood pressure reduction. A decrease in inflammatory markers (CRP and TNF minus α) was observed after flaxseed intake (mean decrease of 25 per cent and 46 per cent for GflaxLC respectively). All groups also showed improvement in levels of total cholesterol, LDL minus c, uric acid and adiponectin. Only GflaxLC group showed a decrease in triglyceride levels. Conclusion This study suggests that flaxseed added to a weight loss diet could be an important nutritional strategy to reduce inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF minus α.
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