Lignan (CT–449)
FACTS
It seems that everyone from the scientists at the National Cancer Institute to natural healers are signing the praises of flaxseed oil. Like so many “new” supplements, flaxseed oil reminds us yet again that there is nothing new under the sun. About 8,500 years ago, our hunter, gatherer, ancestors ate flax along with other wild grasses. Every part of the plant was put to good use. The oil from the seeds was used for cooking and making paint; the plant fiber was spun into rope and cloth. The flax plant is still used to make cloth, paper, and other products, but only recently have there been serious attempts to reintroduce it into our modern diet.
Flaxseed is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of “good” fat that is missing from the typical Western diet. Scientists at the National Cancer Institute became interested in omega-3 fatty acids in general, and flaxseed oil in particular, after numerous European studies had shown that omega-3 fatty acids can shrink cancerous tumors and have a potent anticancer effect on breast, prostate, and lung cancer cells.
In addition to containing omerga-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is a rich source of lignans, a type of fiber that is changed by “friendly bacteria” in the gut into compounds that fight against cancer. Lignans can also modulate hormone levels and relieve some of the symptoms often associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and yeast infections due to vaginal dryness. Flaxseed oil is also a treatment for premenstrual syndrome, which may be caused b a hormonal imbalance.
To add to their many benefits, omega-3 fatty acids contain a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, allergies, and other inflammatory diseases. Natural healers routinely prescribe flaxseed oil for these conditions, often with great success.
In addition to protecting against cancer, omerga-3 fatty acids offer important protection against heart disease, as has been shown by hundreds of studies. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure, reduce elevated blood triglyceride levels, and prevent blood clots.
Body builders claim that flaxseed oil supplements can increase their stamina and help them recover more quickly form workouts. Flaxseed contains a natural antioxidant, which could explain why it helps tired muscles recover more quickly. In addition, its anti-inflammatory effect can also help reduce muscle soreness.
The downside is that flaxseed oil is not easy to use. It is notoriously unstable and, unless it is properly processed, can turn rancid very quickly. Taking flaxseed oil capsules daily is a convenient way to get the full benefits of flaxseed oil without the bother.
Possible Benefits
May help block the growth of canceroustumors.
Reduces inflammation.
Corrects lipid abnormalities that could increase the risk of heart disease.
Helps to normalize hormone levels.
The Right Amount
Take three 1,000 mg. capsules daily with meals.
Flaxseed oil is a source of lignans (a soluble fiber), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), oleic acid, linoleic acid plus other essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are missing in our highly processed foods. The essential fatty acids found in flaxseed are also known as vitamin F. It offers the following benefits: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, and purgative.
Principal health related actions: Beneficial for digestive and urinary disorders. Lowers cholesterol, blood triglycerides and helps prevent blood clots. Decreases homocysteine levels in the blood; high levels of this protein are thought to be a critical risk factor and therefore a good predictor of heart disease. Soothes and reduces muscle soreness and helps reduce recovery time. Keeps skin youthful and vibrant. Bacteria in the stomach change the lignan fiber into cancer fighting substances. May help in weight reduction, since the brain is getting nutrients essential to your well-being, and lets it know you are satiated, giving you the feeling of fullness. Maintains hormone balance. Eases premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Alleviates menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, which can lead to recurrent yeast infections, and lessens hot flashes.
Dosage: Only use certified organically grown and cold-pressed flax seed oil or flax seed powder, preferably with high lignan content. High temperatures destroy the beneficial properties of the oil, so using a food blender or processor on the seeds may destroy much of the oil’s therapeutic properties – do short repeated pulses. Use 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 ml) of oil on your foods (salads, potatoes, vegetables, pasta, rice, tofu, et cetera) or in a drink each day. In 1,000 mg. capsules, take 1 to 3 with each meal, up to three times a day.
Source: Seeds.