Thylakoids are found in chloroplasts in stacks and help in ATP synthesis ie chemisomosis in plants generates ATP is by using a proton concentration gradient which is done in four steps. https://sites.google.com/site/apbiophotosynthesis/chemiosmosis
Thylakoids encourage the release of satiety hormones, which is very beneficial in slowing down fat digestion. The study examines the effect of consuming a single dose of concentrated extract of thylakoids from spinach on satiety, food intake, lipids, and glucose compared to a placebo. 30 males and 30 females, overweight or obese took part in a double-blind randomized crossover study. They consumed either the spinach extract or a placebo in random order at least a week apart. Using blood samples, their lipid and glucose levels were measured before a normal breakfast, followed by a dose of the extract and standard lunch 4 hours later. After another 4 hours, pizza was served, and throughout the interval, various blood tests and responses were gathered.
Visual analog scale ratings for satiety (n = 59) over 2 hours after consuming the spinach extract or a placebo. (A) Hunger: overall differences, 4.0720 mm ± 1.52 (p < 0.01), *120 minutes (p < 0.01). (B) Fullness: overall differences, 3.62 mm (p = 0.04), *60 minutes (p = 0.03). (C) Longing for food: overall differences, 4.50 mm ± 1.32 (p < 0.01), *60 minutes (p < 0.03) and *120 minutes (p < 0.01). (D) Prospective intake: overall differences, 3.83 mm ± 1.35 (p < 0.01), *60 minutes (p = 0.03) and *120 minutes (p = 0.03). (E) Satisfaction: overall differences were not significant. Values are mean ± standard error. Credit: Acute Effects of a Spinach Extract Rich in Thylakoids on Satiety: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
The results showed that the spinach extract containing thylakoids increased satiety over a 2hr period vs placebo. There were no differences in plasma lipids and energy intake at dinner, but males showed a trend toward decreased energy intake. Thylakoid consumption may influence gender-specific food cravings – in a previous study, it was found that in women, a reduced urge for sweets was significant after a single dose of the spinach extract and the reduced urge for sweets was sustained throughout the study.
Frank L. Greenway MD, summarizes: “The reduction in hunger and the desire for salty food that we saw in this study might make thylakoids particularly useful for people with high blood pressure and associated weight problems.” http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=155141&CultureCode=en
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