Flaxseeds, the hard, tiny seeds of the flax plant, contain phytonutrients that help your body fight disease and promote good health. Scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggest that regular consumption of flaxseed may help protect against lung cancer, although more research is needed before any firm conclusion can be made. Before you decide to use flaxseed or any other supplements, be sure to speak with your doctor first.
Antioxidant Properties
Growing evidence from several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested the chemo-preventive potential of flaxseed, according to Melpo Christofidou-Solomidou, Ph.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Flaxseed contains high amounts of lignans, compounds with antioxidant properties. The lignans of flaxseed may help you prevent oxidative stress, increase immune function and possibly decrease the risk of lung cancer, says Christofidou-Solomidou.
Phytoestrogens
Lignans in flaxseed act as estrogen mimics in the human body due to their structural similarities to the female hormone estrogen, and hence, prevent or interrupt the development of tumors in the lung, according to Stanford University. These phytoestrogens keep blood vessels from forming in a tumor, causing the tumor cells to starve and thus arresting cancer growth. Although flaxseed appears to be cancer-preventive, the supporting evidence is still extremely preliminary.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed may slow proliferation and increase apoptosis of lung cancer cells, resulting in a retardation of tumor growth, according to University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center dietitians Joan Daniels and Nancy Burke. Flaxseed can decrease the therapeutic effects of blood-thinning and pain medications such as aspirin, so it is important to consult with your doctor before taking flaxseed supplements.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 series of essential fatty acids, which is hypothesized to carry cancer-preventive effects, according to the University of North Texas website dining services page. Further investigation is currently underway to determine the specific role of alpha-linolenic acid in decreasing lung cancer risk. Current recommendations suggest that you take two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily to reap its positive health benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed; Oct. 11, 2008
- University of Pennsylvania; School of Medicine: Melpo Christofidou-Solomidou
- Stanford University; Living Strong Living Well: Cancer Fighting Foods
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center; Most Wanted Supplements: Are They Cancer Killers or Frauds? What You Need to Know; Fall 2009
- University of North Texas; Phytonutrients: Reducing Cancer Risk
