Flaxseeds (linseeds) may help to regulate blood glucose levels, especially when incorporated into certain foods which have a relatively high glycemic response, such as bread, according to new research.
Study author Sarah Booth notes that "It has been suggested that linseed (flaxseed) may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer due to its relatively high concentration of both alpha-linolenic acid and nonstart polysaccharides (Vaisey-Genser & Morris, 1997)."
Researchers studied 15 healthy women in two single-meal study periods with a 7-day washout period in-between. During one period, the women ate scones containing flaxseeds and during the other they ate "white" bread (wheat). Finger prick blood samples were taken at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min postprandial (after eating) and blood glucose levels were determined.
Researchers found a significant difference between the incremental blood glucose values following consumption of the flaxseed scone in comparison with the white bread, with the flaxseed glycemic response being more gradual. The study authors notes that this more graduated response might help diabetics to avoid severe peaks and troughs in their blood glucose levels, which can be dangerous.
Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, November, 2000; 13 : 363-371
Ground flaxseeds are a useful addition to most peoples' diets. The unfortunate problem though for using them for diabetics is that when one has elevated insulin levels the delta six desaturase enzyme is severely inhibited.
This enzyme is responsible for converting the alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in flax to longer chain fats (like EPA and DHA) and it is easy to develop an excess of ALA in one's system, which is counterproductive.
So the flax should be used sparingly and probably alternated with other ground grains, like sunflower, sesame and pumpkin, which will help to balance the omega six and omega three ratios.
I don't recommend the use of flaxseed oil however, particularly because of its instability. Five years ago I used to recommend it to nearly all my patients and I noticed the majority of them could not tolerate it.
This is despite the fact that they were using two of the best brands of flax oil in the country. (Omega Flow and Barleans). I came to the conclusion that the nausea they were experiencing was a giant clue from their body and subsequently concluded that most people do not do well with flaxseed oil, which is why I no longer recommend it.
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