REVIEW PAPER
The role of a diet including flaxseed in modifying risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases – literature review
1
Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
2
Internship, Healthcare Complex, Nysa, Poland
3
Internship, Jan Mikulicz-Radecki University Hospital, Wrocław, Poland
4
Internship, Copernicus Hospital, Gdańsk, Poland
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Corresponding author
Oliwia Biegańska
Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367, Wrocław, Polska
Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367, Wrocław, Polska
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Flaxseed is known for its wide range of health benefits. The aim of this literature review is to gather current scientific evidence regarding the effects of flaxseed consumption on risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, such as blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose and insulin metabolism, and body weight.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Research indicates that flaxseed can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, affecting peripheral as well as central measurements. It also appears to improve the lipid profile by reducing total cholesterol, LDL- (including small dense LDL), VLDL-, and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. Additionally, it decreases the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, as well as the LDL to HDL ratio. Flaxseed consumption may also raise HDL cholesterol levels. Its positive effects extend to glucose and insulin metabolism – lowering fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels, reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin sensitivity, and improving post-meal blood sugar control. Including flaxseed in the diet might also help reduce body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat mass. Furthermore, it may increase adiponectin levels.
Summary:
Flaxseed has beneficial effects on blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose and insulin metabolism, and body weight. These benefits suggest that flaxseed may represent a valuable component of the daily diet supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Flaxseed is known for its wide range of health benefits. The aim of this literature review is to gather current scientific evidence regarding the effects of flaxseed consumption on risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, such as blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose and insulin metabolism, and body weight.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Research indicates that flaxseed can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, affecting peripheral as well as central measurements. It also appears to improve the lipid profile by reducing total cholesterol, LDL- (including small dense LDL), VLDL-, and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. Additionally, it decreases the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, as well as the LDL to HDL ratio. Flaxseed consumption may also raise HDL cholesterol levels. Its positive effects extend to glucose and insulin metabolism – lowering fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels, reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin sensitivity, and improving post-meal blood sugar control. Including flaxseed in the diet might also help reduce body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat mass. Furthermore, it may increase adiponectin levels.
Summary:
Flaxseed has beneficial effects on blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose and insulin metabolism, and body weight. These benefits suggest that flaxseed may represent a valuable component of the daily diet supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health.
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| eISSN: | 2084-6312 |
| ISSN: | 1505-7054 |
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