Milled flax seed may contain compounds that protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer Blood levels of specific estrogens linked to increased risk for breast cancer decreased significantly with flax supplementation.
Previous studies have suggested that naturally occurring compounds called phytoestrogens, work to lower levels of circulating estrogens linked to breast cancer. Flaxseed is especially high in one such phytoestrogen, lignan, which is thought to inhibit estrogen production. Researchers tracked blood levels of two cancer-related estrogens, estrone sulfate and estradiol, in a group of 28 postmenopausal nuns over the course of one year. On top of their regular diet (which was similar for all the women studied), the nuns received daily supplements of either 0, 5 or 10 grams of ground flaxseed.
Levels of the two circulating estrogens fell significantly among women taking the supplements, but remained stable in the non-supplement group. Essential fatty acid imbalance and deficiencies can change the balance of hormone production and the function of organs. Breast and prostate tissue are especially sensitive to these abnormalities. It is felt that a deficiency or imbalance of the essential fatty acids will alter the function of these organs, and in turn, lead the organs to compensate with overproduction of different types of cells.
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