The American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolismpublishedresearch that shows how fermented flaxseed can promote metabolic health and protect against diet-induced obesity.

“Our data suggest that flaxseed fiber supplementation affects host metabolism by increasing energy expenditure and reducing obesity as well as by improving glucose tolerance," the researchers noted.

In the study, mice were divided into three experimental groups by changing their diets to focus on either high-fat (no fiber), cellulose (10% indigestible cellulose fiber), or flaxseed (10% flaxseed fiber).

The researchers then measured the amount of oxygen used, carbon dioxide produced, food and water consumed and energy expended over 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, researchers examined the bacteria and contents of the large intestine.

The finding: The flaxseed group was more physically active and had less weight gain than the other groups. These mice also had better glucose control and levels of beneficial fatty acids and produced more beneficial fatty acids.

The research team noted, "Future research should be directed to understand relative contribution of the different microbes and delineate underlying mechanisms for how flaxseed fibers affect host metabolism."