When you have breast cancer, an abnormal growth and uncontrolled division of cells take place in the tissues in the breast. It is a malignancy that affects more than 183,000 women in the United States each year, according to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The encouraging news is that breast cancer is completely curable when it is detected early and treated promptly. Breast cancer also develops in men, although they're less likely to get breast cancer than women. Flax seed oil has shown potential in reducing breast cancer tumors.
Plant Description
Flax is an erect annual plant growing 12 to 36 inches in height. They are widely cultivated in coarse textured soils in the regions extending from Mediterranean to India. The hard, tiny seeds of the flax plant called flaxseed are used to make pharmaceuticals.
Flaxseed Composition
Flax seed oil is the most highly concentrated source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which appears to produce most of the medicinal benefits linked to flaxseed. In addition to omega-3, small amounts of lignans, protein and dietary fiber are also present in flax seed oil.
Flax Seed Oil and Breast Cancer
Flax seed oil may play a cancer-protecting role in the diet, especially against hormone-induced cancers -- including breast cancer -- mainly due to its high concentration of phytonutrient compounds, such as alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and lignans. Lignans are phytochemicals that act as anti-estrogens and reduce the size and aggressiveness of estrogen-dependent tumors.
Precautions
There are few recognized side effects of flax seed oil administration. Diabetic people may find it difficult assimilating alpha-linolenic acid, so people with these conditions must replenish their omega-3s from other food sources. Flax seed oil can interact with oral medications or nutrients, so it must always be consumed under the supervision of a doctor.
