Weight Loss News 2015: Flax and sesame seed compounds may prevent weight gain, new study reveals
A new study has revealed that consuming specific plant compounds found in flax and sesame seeds may effectively prevent or slow the process of weight gain.
While the findings are preliminary and additional studies and research are needed to further confirm the results, the study discovered that women who consumed high levels of the compounds, which are called lignans, weighed less and gained less weight over time, compared to women who didn't take in huge amounts of the said compounds.
According to the researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, the findings "support the notion that increased lignan consumption might potentially lead to less weight gain."
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There have been earlier studies that solidified the role of lignans in the weight regulation of animals, especially in species that consume plant-based foods that have lower amounts of the compounds, including whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and wine.
Live Science reported that the new study focused on data from about 1,000 women who submitted urine samples at the beginning of the study, and were later contacted after 10 years.
The urine samples were analyzed for two main compounds: enterodiol and enterolactone, which are produced when bacteria in the gut break down lignans.
Results revealed that women with the highest levels of the compounds in their urine had considerably the lowest body mass index (BMI.)
"Our data suggest that higher urinary excretion of lignan metabolites, especially enterodiol, is associated with modestly slower weight gain," the researchers said.
On the other hand, the researchers noted that it is still unclear as to how exactly the lignans are moving about to prevent weight gain, but the compounds are similar in structure to the hormone estrogen. According to the researchers, this could mean that lignans may have the power to regulate body weight by binding themselves to estrogen receptors.
While future studies are expected to come up with more solid results, the research is another breakthrough in the hopes of coming up with natural solutions to women and men's weight loss issues.
