Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 07, 2024 4 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 19 hours, 5 minutes ago
Menopause News: Flaxseed is gaining attention for its remarkable health benefits, particularly in preventing and treating various diseases. A recent study covered in this
Menopause News report that was conducted by researchers from
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra-Slovakia, highlights the positive impact of crushed flaxseed on cardiovascular health in menopausal women.
Crushed Flaxseed: A Natural Boost for Heart Health in Menopausal Women
The study involved 51 women, divided into three groups, consuming different varieties of flaxseed over eight weeks. The results suggest that flaxseed can significantly improve heart health indicators.
The Study at a Glance
The research focused on menopausal women, aged 45 to 55, who were divided into three groups:
-High-lignan group (HL): Consumed high-lignan flaxseed.
-Low-lignan group (LL): Consumed low-lignan flaxseed.
-Control group: Did not consume flaxseed.
Each participant received 40 grams of freshly crushed flaxseed daily, packaged to prevent light and oxidation. Blood samples and body composition were measured before and after the intervention.
Key Findings on Cholesterol Levels
One of the most notable outcomes was the change in cholesterol levels. The study found:
-Total Cholesterol (T-C): Slight increase in T-C in both flaxseed groups, but this was coupled with more significant positive changes.
-Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C): Significant decrease, moving towards healthier levels in both HL and LL groups.
-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C): Notable increase in HDL-C, particularly in the HL group, which is beneficial as HDL-C helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Triglycerides and Inflammation
While triglyceride (TG) levels did not change significantly, there was a substantial reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, an inflammation marker:
-hs-CRP: Both HL and LL groups saw a significant decrease in hs-CRP, indicating reduced inflammation, which is a critical factor in cardiovascular health.
Visceral Fat and Body Composition
The study also looked at visceral fat area (VFA) and body mass index (BMI):
-VFA: Slight reduction in the HL group and a minimal increase in the LL group.
-BMI: Remained stable across all groups, suggesting that the intervention did not significantly affect overall body weight.
trong>Why Flaxseed Matters
Flaxseed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, lignans, and vitamin E. These components contribute to its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lignans, in particular, are phytoestrogens that can mimic or modulate the action of estrogen, potentially alleviating menopausal symptoms and providing heart health benefits.
Practical Implications
For menopausal women, incorporating flaxseed into the diet could be a simple and natural way to support cardiovascular health. Here are some practical tips:
-Daily Intake: Aim for around 40 grams of crushed flaxseed. Ground flaxseed is preferable to whole seeds for better nutrient absorption.
-Storage: Keep flaxseed in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator, to maintain its nutritional quality.
Conclusion
The study underscores the potential of flaxseed as a dietary supplement for improving heart health in menopausal women. By enhancing cholesterol profiles and reducing inflammation, flaxseed can play a vital role in managing cardiovascular risk factors during menopause.
Future Research
While the results are promising, further research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods could provide more insights. Additionally, exploring different varieties of flaxseed and their specific health benefits can help tailor dietary recommendations more effectively.
Incorporating flaxseed into your daily diet could be a step towards better heart health and overall well-being during menopause. This natural, nutrient-rich food offers an easy and effective way to support your health journey.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Life.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/7/849
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/menopause-news-american-study-finds-that-low-fat-vegan-diet-with-soy-decreases-hot-flashes-by-95-percent
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/hormones-used-in-menopause-treatments-can-cause-breast-cancer-even-decades-after-usage-have-stopped
