Flax it! Anti-estrogen benefits of flaxseed
To flax or not flax...
Sometimes all the information about cancer-fighting nutrition can make your head spin! I’m learning there are a lot of opposing views. Soy or no soy? Do veggies help prevent cancer or not? Oy vey!
For the past two years, flaxseed has been part of my routine. I’ve been advised by both a naturopath and my holistic practitioner to add it to my diet because of its anti-estrogen properties. So every morning, I take a couple of tablespoons, put it in a grinder, and add it to my protein shake.
Everything I’ve read has been positive about it, but lately I’ve had several people tell me that women with estrogen-positive cancers should NOT consume it. I’ve searched all over the Internet and have found nothing to support this.
Here’s what I’ve learned about flaxseed:
From About.com: “Several studies have been done to determine how the phytoestrogens in flaxseeds may help cancer. One theory compares the estrogen-receptor blocking ability of flaxseeds with estrogen-receptor modulation drugs. The weak plant-based estrogens block the estrogen receptors on cells within breast tissue, starving them of full-strength female estrogen, possibly stopping tumor growth and preventing cell damage. This effect may be most effective for younger, premenopausal women with estrogen-receptor negative cancers.”
From the April 2010 issue of Life Extension Magazine: “French researchers conducted a prospective study of more than 58,000 postmenopausel women who were followed for an average of 7.7 years. Statistical analysis revealed a greater intake of dietary lignans (such as flaxseed) was clearly associated with a reduced risk of (estrogen receptor- and progesterone-receptor) breast cancer. …A Swedish study of 52,000 women reached a similar conclusion.”
From the American Cancer Society: “In a 2007 report, flaxseed reduced growth of breast cancer cells in mice and enhanced the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a conventional drug for hormonal therapy.”
From Dr. Gary Huber, my holistic practitioner: ”Flaxseed has lignans that bind estrogen in the bowel and are an important part of removing it efficiently from the system.”
So I’ve concluded to keep on grinding my flax. It’s rich in Omega 3, which is good for your heart, and I believe there is enough evidence pointing to its benefit for estrogen-receptive breast cancer. Plus, it helps make my protein shake nice and thick!
Do you use it? Let’s hear from you!
Judy says:
Interesting, Tami!When I asked about foods to stay away from I was so surprised to see it on a list from MD Anderson along with soy. A friend also takes flax seed capsules to help his arthritic knee. I bought some, but am a little scared to take it everyday. What do, what to do!! I also saw an article at the Breast Cancer Site stating that multi-vitamins may not be good for women who have had breast cancer!
Debby says:
I am not ER / PR positive but my onc said I could take it, but sparingly. I do take it. It helps my digestion but I do 1 tbsp. instead of 2 and not every day.
tamilb says:
Funny Judy that you should mention MD Anderson. I just searched their site and found this recipe for flaxseed muffins. They state flaxseed may help prevent breast cancer, among other cancers. http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/issues/2010-april/makeoverlunch.html
BOptimistic says:
Everything that I have read over the past 2 years has been positive for flax seed. However, flax oil doesn’t always get the same rave reviews. Just follow your instincts, I guess. Everything that is written today about the pros and cons of these natural products will be different in 10 years time anyway!! Even the “wise men” don’t know all ….. unfortunately. All the best!