Flax Flexes BP Effects

Flaxseed is high in lignans – plant compounds for which previous studies suggest potential cancer protective effects; and alpha linoleic acid – an omega-3 fatty acid associated with heart health.   Maciej Banach, from the Medical University of Lodz (Poland), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,302 subjects in trials involving flaxseed supplements for blood pressure.  A decrease of 2.85 mmHg systolic blood pressure, and a decrease of 2.39 mmHg diastolic pressure were observed.  Flaxseed supplementation lasting longer than 12 weeks was found to result in systolic reduction of 3.10 mmHg and diastolic reduction of 2.62 mmHg.  Flaxseed powder was found to be of greater effect than flaxseed oil.  The study authors write that: “This meta-analysis of [randomized controlled trials] showed significant reductions in both [systolic blood pressure] and [diastolic blood pressure] following supplementation with various flaxseed products.”