A combination of curcumin and flaxseed oil might enhance fat metabolism and reduce fat accumulation in the liver when following a diet rich in fats and cholesterol. This conclusion was reached by researchers at Taipei Medical University. The study has been published in the journal Nutrients.
The experiment involved Syrian hamsters, which were fed a diet high in fat and cholesterol for eight weeks. A portion of these animals also received a mixture of curcumin and flaxseed oil, administered at either a low or high dosage.
In the animals that were given the supplement, reductions were observed in blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and “bad” LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, they experienced a decrease in the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol within their livers. The most significant results were noted in the group that received the high-dose mixture.
The researchers discovered that the supplement promoted the excretion of fats and cholesterol in feces, while also altering the lipid profiles in both the blood and the liver. According to the authors, the flaxseed oil may have improved the absorption of the fat-soluble curcumin and simultaneously complemented its effects through its omega-3 fatty acid content.
The scientists emphasize that these findings are currently based on animal studies and therefore cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Nevertheless, the work suggests that the combination of curcumin and flaxseed oil could represent a promising dietary strategy for supporting liver health and managing disruptions in fat metabolism.
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