 Flax and the Prevention of Cancer
The high
fiber and
lignan
content of flax seed has intrigued scientists, nutritionists and
physicians in regard to its preventative nature with diseases,
especially certain types of cancers.
Colon Cancer
Diets rich in fiber have long been held as a safeguard against
colon cancer. Keeping a healthy balance of fiber from fruits and
vegetables is enhanced when high fiber flaxseed is introduced
into the daily eating routine.
Good defense in prevention of colon cancer is to keep the
digestive tract active. The
fiber in flax seed is helpful in regulating bowel movements
and preventing constipation. Because flaxseed’s insoluble fiber
content is able to hold water, this in turn helps soften the
stool and allows it to move through the colon quickly.
Maintaining a well-hydrated body is also helpful to keep the
digestive tract active and efficient. It is especially important
to drink more water when you increase your consumption of fiber.
These common sense habits are essential to a prevention-based
lifestyle, guarding against colon cancer.
For
more information see Colon Cancer
Breast, Prostate and Ovarian Cancers
The high
lignan content of flax seed is believed to be the defense
mechanism against cancers that are primarily hormone-dependent.
Lignans are a type of natural plant chemical (scientifically
known as a phytochemical) contained within the cell matrix of
the flaxseed. Lignans are considered to act as plant hormones.
Researchers believe these plant hormones mimic the body’s own
estrogen type of cells and can block the formation of
hormone-based tumors or growths. Unlike hormones produced in the
body, these plant hormones do not stimulate cancerous cells to
grow. In fact, lignans boost production of a substance that
fastens onto human estrogen and carries it out of the body.
The role of
lignans
and their plant hormone properties became the subject of study
at the Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki.
Strong evidence is cited supporting lignans as having
cancer-protective compounds. Flax seed has anywhere from 75-800
times more lignans than vegetables or other grain products.
Another buffering quality of flaxseed against hormone-dependent
cancers is the
omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA). A balance between the
good fats, known as the unsaturated fats, is the goal for
hormone-related cancer prevention. These unsaturated fats are
also known as essential fatty acids and have two categories:
omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 EFAs are introduced
into our diets with vegetable oils and products made from these
sources. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon
and tuna and also in flax seed. Further detail on the importance
of this balance is provided in the website link entitled “Omega-3”.
Essential fatty acid imbalance and deficiencies can change the
balance of hormone production and the function of organs. Breast
and prostate tissue are especially sensitive to these
abnormalities. It is felt that a deficiency or imbalance of the
essential fatty acids will alter the function of these organs,
and in turn, lead the organs to compensate with overproduction
of different types of cells.
The most common finding with essential fatty acid imbalance, is
a diet sorely lacking in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Studies have shown
that a high blood level of omega-3 fatty acids combined with a
low level of omega-6 fatty acids can reduce the risk of
developing breast cancer. Certainly, heredity and other factors
contribute to a person’s risk in all cancers; yet one cannot
disregard the evolving contribution of studies that support
dietary influences in cancer prevention and management.
For
more information see Breast Cancer
For
more information see Prostate
Cancer
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