Posted on 03/26/2010 6:39:04 AM PDT by decimon
AMES, Iowa -- A new study from Iowa State University's Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) may give men a way to combat high cholesterol without drugs -- if they don't mind sprinkling some flaxseed into their daily diet.
Suzanne Hendrich, an ISU professor in food science and human nutrition, led a study that examined the effects of flaxseed lignan in 90 people diagnosed with high cholesterol. The results showed that consuming at least 150 milligrams of flaxseed lignans per day (about three tablespoons) decreased cholesterol in men, but not women, by just under 10 percent over the three months that they were given the flaxseed.
While Hendrich admits that's considerably less than the expected outcome from cholesterol-lowering drugs -- approximately 10 to20 percent for three months, depending on the individual -- it's still enough to make flaxseed a more natural option for some men.
"Because there are people who can't take something like Lipitor, this could at least give you some of that cholesterol-lowering benefit," Hendrich said. "The other thing is, there are certainly some people who would prefer to not use a drug, but rather use foods to try to maintain their health. So this potentially would be something to consider."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.iastate.edu ...
Seedy living ping.
Only 10% decrease?
I reduced mine 50% through diet and exercise alone.
According to the article, they don't know but suspect an interaction with testosterone.
I should have read the article.
Thanks.
I wonder, does flaxseed oil provide the same benefits? It is easier to take in capsule form.
Had the same question. The "flaxseed lignan tablets" they used are not now available in the US.
because it lowers estrogen in men.
that’s why my doctor has me take flax seeds.
So as a woman, would that mean it would lower my estrogen. Great, more old lady facial hair.
It says that flaxseed contains a form of plant estrogen so y’all are jumping the gun with your speculations.
It did for me. And also significantly lowered my triclycerides. I had to stop taking it though as my gut just could not tolerate it. I’ve tried twice now to add it back in gradually. I took the capsules.
You have to make sure you take enough. I think I took six 1000 mg capsules per day. It worked. I’m a woman:)
I’m going to try fish oil caps next and see if that won’t work as well as the flax seed and hope I can tolerate those better.
I wouldn’t let the article keep me from trying if you are a woman or a man.
I picked that up too. I know that women have some testosterone. But I give leeway to these synopses and go with the main point.
Not only does it have that great effect on your cholesterol and triglycerides, if you take it in the tastiest form, it is marvelous for your digestion.
Buy ground flaxseed, keep it in the fridge or even the freezer, sealed, and sprinkle a tablespoon or two into your cereal or smoothies or even your OJ. It has a great, nutty flavor. It’s marvelous for keeping your whole digestive system running at optimum.
I would not want to go without my 2 spoonfuls a day. There are too many benefits.
I recommend flossing after eating, which is good to do after meals anyway.
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