Flaxseed & Weight Loss

The seed of the linum usitatissimum plant, known as flaxseed, represents one of the richest sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids available. Flaxseed converts to oil for cooking and salads, and retails as a dietary supplement in capsule or liquid form. Some studies indicate that flaxseed supports weight loss overall, while others demonstrate no effect, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Flaxseed does seem to impart several key health benefits, particularly in obesity related conditions, including the lowering of cholesterol levels.

Features

According to a 2008 article by Richard E. Stier published in the journal Prepared Foods, flaxseed contains abundant fiber, protein and antioxidants, and serves an anti-inflammatory function in the body. Because flaxseed contains low levels of carbohydrates, it delivers a low glycemic load in the body. Some studies suggest that high fiber foods with low glycemic loads tend to support weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com, although the scientific evidence for these claims remains indeterminate.

Pre-Diabetes

In a 2007 article published in Diabetes Forecast, author Andrea Hutchins, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, suggested that flaxseed may help overweight patients with pre-diabetes, the condition in which blood glucose levels register as abnormally high yet not high enough to constitute a diabetes diagnosis. Hutchins referenced an earlier study in 2002 from researchers in the multicenter Diabetes Prevention Program that found that pre-diabetics who lost 5 percent to 7 percent of their existing body fat through diet and exercise cut their risk of developing the disease by more than 50 percent. Hutchins said she believes flaxseed offers real support to overweight clients at risk for diabetes because it improves insulin sensitivity. The soluble fiber found in flaxseed, according to Hutchins, also helps control glucose levels by arresting the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut.

Benefits

Research remains inconclusive as to whether flaxseed specifically aids in weight loss. More often, studies show flaxseed can help with some obesity-related conditions such as high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries and heart disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Considerations

In general, adding flaxseed to your diet might support overall weight loss because it provides dietary fiber. Fiber improves regularity, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, both of which can provide support when following a weight-loss program, according to MayoClinic.com.

Warnings

If you take flaxseed for its fiber, drink plenty of water. Flaxseed can intensify constipation, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea. It is not a good idea to take flaxseed alongside conventional medications, or other dietary supplements, as it might interfere with your body's ability to absorb oral medications. Check with your doctor or health care practitioner before taking flaxseed.