Photosynthetic membranes known as thylakoids are present in the chloroplasts of green plants. They can impact hormones like lipase and ghrelin which are crucial for regulating appetite and digesting fat.
This suggests that thylakoids could potentially slow down fat digestion and increase feelings of fullness. Spinach, which contains significant quantities of thylakoids, could be a valuable functional food for promoting weight management.
Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducted a study to investigate these potential benefits.
The Study
For this double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial, researchers recruited 60 overweight and obese males and females (with a body mass index between 25 and 35 kg/m2).
The study consisted of all participants receiving two types of treatment (spinach extract and placebo) in random order, separated by a one-week washout period:
- First, the participants were given a standard breakfast meal.
- Four hours later, they consumed the spinach extract or placebo, followed by a standard lunch.
- Another four hours later, they were given an ad libitum pizza dinner.
After a week, researchers switched treatments to make sure that all participants receive both types. Also, before, throughout, and after the study period, they took a wide range of assessments, like blood work, subjective satiety scores, and food intakes.
The Results
After consuming spinach extract, the participants showed significantly reduced scores for hunger and longing for food over a two-hour period after consumption. They also had increased postprandial plasma glucose concentrations.
Researchers also noticed that the male participants were more likely to have a lower energy intake.
What Does this Mean?
The results of this trial show that eating thylakoid-rich spinach extract can make consumers feel less hungry and more satiated for a couple of hours following the meal. Thanks to these properties, spinach may be beneficial for weight management.
It can be considered a natural, cost-effective, and side-effect-free addition to other weight loss practices, like exercise and healthy eating. By reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, people can drastically reduce the risks associated with carrying excess weight and prolong life.
Other herbs that may help maintain a normal weight are apples, beans, broccoli, and nuts.