Not just any
seed, mind you...
But scientists believe flax seed may pack a powerful punch to knock out oestrogen-dependent cancers including breast and prostate cancer.
A literature review by the American Institute for Cancer Research found that just a few tablespoons of ground flax seeds daily can alter oestrogen levels in a way that may protect you from this deadly disease. That modest dose was enough to reduce tumour formation.
But scientists believe flax seed may pack a powerful punch to knock out oestrogen-dependent cancers including breast and prostate cancer.
A literature review by the American Institute for Cancer Research found that just a few tablespoons of ground flax seeds daily can alter oestrogen levels in a way that may protect you from this deadly disease. That modest dose was enough to reduce tumour formation.
Specifically,
the compound called lignans—a phytoestrogen found in flax, wheat and
vegetables—seems to provide some top-notch cancer protection.
And according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, boosting lignan intake may improve survival rates in postmenopausal women who've had breast cancer.
A research team from the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg said this could be because lignans are about the same shape as those oestrogen's in the body that are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
Their shape enables lignans to bind up oestrogen receptors—which blocks stronger forms of oestrogens from doing so. It's as if lignans take up all the available seats in a theatre, and there's nowhere for estrogens to sit.
Some types of cancer cells need oestrogen in order to multiply and form tumours. Because lignan prevents these hormones from binding to oestrogen receptors, cancer cells can't grow.
Lead researcher Jenny Chang-Claude said that the study provided "clear evidence showing that lignans lower not only the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer, but also the mortality risk."
And according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, boosting lignan intake may improve survival rates in postmenopausal women who've had breast cancer.
A research team from the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg said this could be because lignans are about the same shape as those oestrogen's in the body that are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
Their shape enables lignans to bind up oestrogen receptors—which blocks stronger forms of oestrogens from doing so. It's as if lignans take up all the available seats in a theatre, and there's nowhere for estrogens to sit.
Some types of cancer cells need oestrogen in order to multiply and form tumours. Because lignan prevents these hormones from binding to oestrogen receptors, cancer cells can't grow.
Lead researcher Jenny Chang-Claude said that the study provided "clear evidence showing that lignans lower not only the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer, but also the mortality risk."
Lignans,
isoflavones and coumestans are the three major classes of compounds that are
collectively known as phytoestrogens.
These compounds are known to play a role in everything from keeping your arteries healthy and your brain sharp to sexual maturation and reproduction.
Another lignan called podophyllotoxin, is so effective at targeting and destroying cancer cells—the medical establishment has even modified it for use in chemotherapy.
Semi-synthetic derivatives—etoposide, teniposide, and etoposide phosphate—are used regularly to battle deadly lung cancer.
These compounds are known to play a role in everything from keeping your arteries healthy and your brain sharp to sexual maturation and reproduction.
Another lignan called podophyllotoxin, is so effective at targeting and destroying cancer cells—the medical establishment has even modified it for use in chemotherapy.
Semi-synthetic derivatives—etoposide, teniposide, and etoposide phosphate—are used regularly to battle deadly lung cancer.
Scores of studies showcase lignans' promising performance!
Scientists
have produced some impressive study results that demonstrate the beneficial
health results of a diet rich in flax seed lignans.
Consider just a few examples:
Consider just a few examples:
- Flax seed curbs hot flashes!—a pilot study conducted by
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota found
that 28 women who consumed four tablespoons of ground flax seed daily for
six weeks experienced a decrease in hot flashes, from 7.3 to 3.6 a day.
- Diabetes is decimated!—Animal study results
published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry showed that the
SDG component of flax seed is an antioxidant that was found to help reduce
by 75 percent the development of diabetes in rodents.
- Provides superior prostate
protection!—A
recent study found that Scottish men with the highest intake of lignans
have the lowest incidence of prostate cancer.
- Colon cancer is crushed!—A Dutch study published in Cancer
Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention associated a high intake of
lignans with a reduced risk of colorectal adenomas—growths that are
precursors to colon cancer.
These
are just a few of the studies that highlight some of the health-restoring
benefits of lignans.
So if you're ready to get your hands on some of this stuff—look no farther than your local grocery store!
I eat oatmeal four or five mornings a week, and I make a point of adding several tablespoons of fresh, ground flax seeds. Flax seeds are by far the richest source of healthy lignan nutrients.
I grind them in a coffee grinder. (You don't want to use the same grinder for actually grinding coffee beans; I don't think you'll care for flax seed-flavoured coffee). And just to be clear — you don't cook the flax seed in the oatmeal. You add it raw after the oatmeal is cooked.
Of course you can add ground flax seed to anything you want — yogurt, for example. I just happen to be a regular oatmeal eater.
So if you're ready to get your hands on some of this stuff—look no farther than your local grocery store!
I eat oatmeal four or five mornings a week, and I make a point of adding several tablespoons of fresh, ground flax seeds. Flax seeds are by far the richest source of healthy lignan nutrients.
I grind them in a coffee grinder. (You don't want to use the same grinder for actually grinding coffee beans; I don't think you'll care for flax seed-flavoured coffee). And just to be clear — you don't cook the flax seed in the oatmeal. You add it raw after the oatmeal is cooked.
Of course you can add ground flax seed to anything you want — yogurt, for example. I just happen to be a regular oatmeal eater.
Grocery shopping just became therapeutic
Although
especially rich in lignans, flax seeds aren't the only seeds to provide this
nutrient. Sesame and sunflower seeds, as well as cashews and peanuts, provide a
healthy dose of lignans.
You can also buy whole grain flax seed bread as another tasty spin on boosting your lignan intake.
Not only can you add a crunchy taste to some of your favourite foods—but you'll also find that flax seeds can help reduce constipation to give you a "smooth move."
Although foods that are high in lignans have been shown to play a positive role in breast cancer prevention, the truth is that many women do not eat enough of the types of foods that provide a significant amount of this cancer-fighting nutrient.
Because these nutrients pass through your system within 24 to 48 hours, it's important to eat enough daily to enjoy their protective benefits.
Considering the anti-cancer benefits that lignans provide, you might think it's well worth the time to add some lignan-rich foods to your next grocery shopping list.
You can also buy whole grain flax seed bread as another tasty spin on boosting your lignan intake.
Not only can you add a crunchy taste to some of your favourite foods—but you'll also find that flax seeds can help reduce constipation to give you a "smooth move."
Although foods that are high in lignans have been shown to play a positive role in breast cancer prevention, the truth is that many women do not eat enough of the types of foods that provide a significant amount of this cancer-fighting nutrient.
Because these nutrients pass through your system within 24 to 48 hours, it's important to eat enough daily to enjoy their protective benefits.
Considering the anti-cancer benefits that lignans provide, you might think it's well worth the time to add some lignan-rich foods to your next grocery shopping list.
Courtesy Lee Euler
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