[Effect of linseed [seed of flax] on blood lipid levels]

ABSTRACT

Linseed [seed of flax] contains high amounts of omega-3 Fatty acids, which is said to have antihyperlipidemic effects. In this study, blood lipid levels [Triglycerids, Cholesterol, LDL, HDL] of 56 hyperlipidemic patients were measured before and after Linseed administration [6 gr linseed powder daily as a biscuit formulation for 3 months as a supplementation to their simple diet]. The results were analysed by t-test using SPSS software. There were some decreases in the mean level of serum total cholesterol [about 10% decrease, P=0.001], mean serum triglyceride [about 12% decrease, P=0.001], and mean serum LDL [about 10% decrease, P=0.001] before and after Linseed administration. The total-Cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios decreased concordantly as well. However, there was no significant alteration in serum HDL level after linseed administration. Linseed administration combined with a simple diet, clinically decreases blood lipid levels. Hence, supplementation of simple diet with 6 gr Linseed powder daily, seems to be helpful in reducing patients blood lipid levels