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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil both come from the same plant, but they work differently for controlling blood sugar and diabetes.
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They are full of fiber, protein and lignans that help slow down sugar release and improve how the body uses insulin.
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It is full of healthy omega-3 fats, but it does not have fiber or protein like the seeds do.
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Research shows that eating flaxseeds helps lower fasting blood sugar, while flaxseed oil does not have the same effect.
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The fiber in flaxseeds slows down how sugar enters the blood, which helps avoid sudden sugar spikes after meals.
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Flaxseeds are full of lignans that act as antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation, which supports better insulin control.
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As flaxseed oil has no fiber, it cannot slow sugar absorption like whole or ground flaxseeds can.
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Flaxseeds also help with digestion, heart health, and weight management, which are all important for people with diabetes.
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For managing blood sugar and diabetes, flaxseeds are a better choice than flaxseed oil, as they give more fiber and control sugar levels naturally.
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