Lignans, first and foremost, are phytoestrogens that occur naturally in such foods as flax seed, whole grain cereals, berries, vegetables and fruits, and are metabolised in the colon by microflora into enterodiol and enterolactone. Previous research has focused on plant lignans reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men and improving menopausal health among women. However, a new Canadian study from the University of Laval in Québec has now demonstrated that women with high blood levels of lignans are also more likely to have a more ideal bodyweight and a healthier response to the hormone insulin.
The scientists recruited 115 post-menopausal women for this study whose average age was 56.8 years and whose average BMI (Body Mass Index: determined by dividing one’s weight [in kg] by the square of one’s height [in meters]) was 28.5. It was found that the women whose plasma enterolactone levels were highest had a BMI of 26.1, significantly lower than the 30.4 in those whose enterolactone levels were lowest. Furthermore, the women with the highest enterolactone levels also had a significantly better glucose dispersal rate. This indicates greater insulin sensitivity, which – combined with the differences in BMI – contribute to significantly reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. Coincidentally, the latter kills 8 times as many women as breast cancer.
Source: A.-S. Morisset, S. Lemieux, A. Veilleux, J. Bergeron, S.J. Weisnagel, A. Tchernof . “Impact of a lignan-rich diet on adiposity and insulin sensitivity in post-menopausal women.” British Journal of Nutrition. Published Online Ahead of Print.
For more information see HMRlignan
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