Cancer refers to various types of tumors that can occur in your body. Uncontrolled factors that can increase your risk of cancer include heredity and ingestion of unknown carcinogens, or toxins, from secondhand smoke or pollutants in the environment. According to the American Cancer Society, other key factors increasing your risk of cancer come from lifestyle habits, including smoking, poor diet and excess weight. Reduce your risk of developing cancer from controllable factors and take preventive measures through consumption of foods or supplements with possible anti-cancer properties, such as flaxseed.
Flaxseed Information
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant, which grows in rich soil, sand or clay. It had historical use in ancient Egypt for medicinal purposes as a laxative and anti-inflammatory agent. The seed contains a group of plant compounds called lignans, which are thought to protect you from cancer. Flaxseed is also rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Since the 1950s, flaxseed and its oil derivative have been considered useful in cancer prevention, but research was at first limited to animal and in vitro studies. Research on use of flaxseed for human cancer prevention is ongoing, but studies show its promise for reducing the risk of prostate and breast cancer.
Prostate Cancer and Flaxseed
The prostate is a gland below the bladder but above the rectum. Only found in men, this gland aids in the creation of semen, which nourishes sperm. Cancer can impact the various types of cells in the prostate, but the growth and spread of prostate cancer is typically gradual. Mutations in prostate cells caused by high levels of male hormones, or androgens, in addition to contributors like age, genetics, smoking, diet and weight, can increase your risk of this form of cancer. According to Dr. Erik Castle of the Mayo Clinic, use of flaxseed supplements combined with a low-fat diet may reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, effectiveness is limited to small studies and ongoing research continues to determine conclusiveness.
Breast Cancer and Flaxseed
Breast cancer is more common in women, but some men do suffer from this disease, too. Aging is a significant risk factor for women, because estrogen hormone levels change. Lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive alcohol use and poor diet may contribute to your risk. Flaxseed has high levels of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, which blocks the production of estrogen in the body. This lignan is thought to inhibit mutations and the growth of breast cancer cells in postmenopausal women, who are at a higher risk of breast cancer due to changes in estrogen production. Research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of using flaxseed for preventing breast cancer in women.
Use of Flaxseed
Flaxseed is available whole or ground, and in capsule form or oil. Flaxseed oil, however, does not naturally contain lignans. For the most cancer-preventive benefits, buy whole or ground flaxseed and add to your beverages or foods. Use freshly ground flaxseed within 24 hours because the healing ingredients lose potency. Consume 1 tablespoon up to three times a day, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you choose flaxseed oil, keep it refrigerated and use up to 2 tablespoons a day. Read package labeling for exact instructions, and consult your physician before adding flaxseed to your diet.
Flaxseed Precautions
Flaxseed contains fiber, which promotes bowel movements. Do not take flaxseed with other laxatives as this may cause diarrhea and digestive upset. Flaxseed can cause drug interactions with blood thinners, diabetes medications and oral contraceptives. Immature pods of the flaxseed are poisonous, and you should not use flaxseed beyond the expiration date on package labels.
References
- UMMC; Flaxseed; Oct. 11, 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil; May 2006
- American Cancer Society; Flaxseed; Nov. 28, 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Flaxseed; Does it Affect Risk of Prostate Cancer?; Erik Castle, M.D.; October 24, 2009
- American Institute for Cancer Research: Foods That Fight Cancer
- HealthSearches.org: Flaxseed for Prevention
