Comparison of The Effect of Breads Containing Milled Sesame or Flaxseed on Blood Pressure of Patient in Stage I Hypertension

Flaxseed and sesame both are capable of reducing blood pressure, but no studies have been done to compare their effects on hypertension. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of breads containing either milled sesame or flaxseed on blood pressure of patients with type I hypertension.

This was a randomized, single blind clinical trial study. Demographic information was obtained from 100 eligible patients and they were randomly allocated to flaxseed or sesame groups. They received breads containing 30 g of either flaxseed or sesame for 14 weeks. Blood pressure, abdominal circumference, and BMI (body mass index) were measured at the beginning, seventh week, and at the end of study. Questionnaires regarding their eating habits and physical activities were also completed at these times. Data was analyzes by SPSS version 16 and independent sample t test and repeated measurement test.

Both sesame and flaxseed significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001) and there was no significant difference. On average, systolic pressure decreased by 9.5 mmHg with sesame and 10 mmHg with flaxseed. Likewise, diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5.05 mmHg with sesame and 5.8 mmHg with flaxseed. BMI and abdominal circumference reduced in both flaxseed (p= 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) and sesame (p=0.01 and 0.02, in order). No difference was observed between these groups.

Both sesame and flaxseed could similarly decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure, abdominal circumference, and BMI. Therefore, they could be used as supplements in reducing blood pressure.