The Benefits of Flaxseeds for Preventing and Healing Prostate Cancer
Numerous studies done on flaxseed and prostate cancer have shown that flaxseed can significantly slow the rate of prostate cancer cell growth.
Researchers have found that a diet supplemented with flaxseed may reduce the formation, growth, or spread of prostate cancer.
This breakthrough information has been confirmed by numerous studies
A 2008 study performed by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that men with prostate cancer who ate three tablespoons of milled or ground flaxseed each day had decreased prostate cancer cell proliferation compared to similar men who did not eat flaxseed.
A small study of 15 men found that a low-fat diet along with flaxseed lowered their blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and slowed the growth of benign prostate cells, suggesting that it might be useful in reducing risk of prostate cancer.
In one study men with prostate cancer who ate an ounce of ground flaxseeds (almost three tablespoons) a day as part of a very-low-fat diet were able to slow the progress of their cancers between the time they were diagnosed and the time of surgery.
Another study of 25 men with prostate cancer found that a low-fat diet along with ground flaxseed reduced serum testosterone, slowed the growth rate of cancer cells, and increased the death rate of cancer cells.
In the latest study from Duke University Medical, Dr. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried and co-investigators studied the ability of flax to inhibit prostate cancer among 25 men who were awaiting surgical removal of their prostates. These 25 men were told to consume a low-fat diet that they supplemented with three tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day. They simply sprinkled it into their cereal or other favorite food.
Reporting in the July issue of the journal Urology, the researchers observed that after an average of only 34 days of supplementation with the flaxseed, the men had lowered cholesterol and testosterone levels and an increase in the number of dead tumor cells, compared to historic controls. Their levels of prostate specific antigen, used to measure tumor size, also fell.
How does flaxseed help fight prostate cancer?
Flaxseeds contain the highest source of lignans, a fiber and phyto-oestrogen with a chemical makeup similar to human oestrogena Lgnans contain plant estrogen that are touted for their anti-prostate cancer properties . Lignans are also a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, which is converted by the body into omega-3 fatty acids, which improve cell function in the lining of the heart and blood vessels, lower triglyceride levels, and inhibit platelet clumping.
Lignans are classified as phytoestrogens and have both weak oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic actions.
The major lignan in flax seed is called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). It’s actually a lignan precursor, which means its power isn’t unlocked until it is metabolized by your body. In the intestines, SDG becomes two lignans. These lignans have the power to wipe out prostate cancer, as well as to shrink enlarged prostates.
Lignans are converted by bacteria in the intestinal tract to hormone-like compounds called phytoestrogens that have protective effects against hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. In fact, consuming ground flaxseed has been shown to have beneficial properties for prevention and treatment of both breast and prostate cancer.
How do lignans help fight prostate cancer?
Flax lignans bind to testosterone in the body — and in many prostate-cancer patients, testosterone is what fuels tumor growth. Testosterone is the male sex hormone, thought to be important in the progression of prostate cancer. Researchers have often suspected that lignan might stop prostate tumor cells from multiplying out of control.
Researchers at Duke University found that supplementation with milled flax resulted in significant decreases in both total and free testosterone in prostate cancer patients. They also found a decrease in PSA levels in men with early stage prostate cancer.
Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to influence cell signaling and the production of cell membranes and to reduce cell proliferation.
Conclusion
It is quite obvious that flaxseeds can have a dramatic effect on prostate cancer prevention and that flaxseed can significantly slow the rate of prostate cancer cell growth. Common sense would dictate that ALL men make a habit of including flaxseeds in their diet.
To get the most benefit from flaxseed it is recommended that you take a concentrated flax hull supplement product.
Flax Hulls contain the highest levels of lignans called secoisolariciresinol glucoside or SDG which, when converted to mammalian lignans (ED and EL) by good bacteria, are powerful antioxidants and potent free radical scavengers.
The nutrients contained in flax seeds are highly concentrated in the shells — one teaspoon of Concentrated Flax Hull Lignans contains the nutritional equivalent of two gallons of flax seed.
Flax Hulls (Lignans) are the natural organic shells of the flaxseed without any seed materials or oil. The shell of the flaxseed is known and proven to contain very high levels of botanical lignans especially SDG.
Concentrated Flax Hull Lignans boast a pure lignan content of up to 65%. Each scoop of the concentrated flax hull supplement product contains 150-300 mg of SDG per serving. That’s 70 times the amount of SDG typically contained in the same amount of traditional ground flax seed.
In addition to their lignan content, flax seed hulls contain high levels of Omega-3s, as well as off-the-charts antioxidants.
Concentrated Flax Hull Lignans are not flax seeds. Rather, they are concentrated directly — using a special process — from flax seed shells, or hulls, which typically don’t make it into the bags of flax seed in the store.
Flax hulls are also nutritious fibers containing both soluble and insoluble fibers and Vitamin B12 in the form of Cobalamin.
Suggested Use
Once a day, add 1 to 2 scoops of concentrated flax hulls into your favorite beverage or sprinkle on your food (1 scoop = 1/2 tablespoon). Drink 4-6 ounces of water after consuming and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Flax hull lignans taste great as a topping for salads or breakfast cereals, in smoothies or added to your favorite recipe!
