The Flax Of Life

Are flaxseeds the next breast cancer cure?
What makes flaxseeds so special can be spelled out in one word and that’s L-I-G-N-A-N-S.
Lignans—which are 800 times more concentrated in flaxseeds than in any other plant—are well recognized as mini miracle workers. They not only kill viruses but they also help to knock out type 2 diabetes, lower LDL cholesterol, and help to reverse atherosclerosis. But their real claim to fame is in the arena of cancer where recent studies featured in the Health Sciences Institute Newsletter ( August, 2011, volume 16, number 2) have shown that flax hull lignans prove to be major players in halting the spread of breast, prostate, and lung cancer.

According to the Health Sciences Institute, researchers have found an 82% decrease in the spread of metastatic lung tumors, a 71% reduction in the protein that causes aggressive cancer growth, and a 31% increase in cancer cell death in just 30 days among people regularly consuming concentrated flax hull lignans.

While there are many different types of lignans, the most researched is an enterolactone type lignan that is also known as SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). SDG helps to inhibit the formation of blood vessels that tumors form in order to keep the cancer alive. In two heaping tablespoons of Cold Milled Flaxseeds from Omega Nutrition, you will be getting 350 mg of this super potent SDG lignan. In addition, you will be benefiting from 10 grams of soluble fiber to stabilize your blood sugar and reduce the amount of carbohydrates absorbed by our bodies for effortless weight loss. When cold milled flaxseeds come in contact with liquid, they become soft and jellylike, making them highly useful as an intestinal cleanser and bowel regulator.

The alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content of flaxseeds also provides stand-alone benefits of its own. In several studies of breast cancer risk, the higher the concentration of ALA in breast tissue, the lower the risk of manifesting breast cancer. Moreover, if the breast cancer arises, the higher the breast tissue concentration of ALA, the lower the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Flaxseeds have been a staple of my Fat Flush programs for decades—from two to four tablespoons daily. For those in perimenopause and menopause, the lignans in flaxseeds can have a positive effect on eradicating symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as reducing ovarian dysfunction, balancing menstrual cycle changes, and helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone density. The benefits of lignans match those of Tamoxifen, the anti-cancer drug used for breast cancer.

As an added bonus, Fat Flushers who faithfully adopt the flax habit consistently remark about having glowing skin, luster-rich hair, and strong nails.

-Edge On health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman