Flaxseed cancer prevention

Kurzer MS, Lampe JW, Martini MC, Adlercreutz H. 1995. Fecal lignan and isoflavo-noid excretion in premenopausal women consuming flaxseed powder. Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prevent 4 353-358. 

As previously mentioned, flaxseed is a rich source of dietary fiber (28%). Dietary fiber has been widely viewed as a component essential to lowering the risk of colon cancer. The flaxseed protein is similar to soy thus may be beneficial to health. Bhathena et al. (2002) first reported that flaxseed protein was effective in lowering plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerides (TAG) compared to soy and casein protein in male F344 and obese SHR/N-cp rats. The role of protein in disease prevention warrants further investigation. Components, such as PAs and flavonoids, may also contribute to the health benefits of flaxseed. 

Cameron et al. (1989) reported that flax oil prevented tumor formation in mice whereas mice on the corn oil and safflower oil diets had the greatest number of tumors. A diet consisting of 10% flax oil was sufficient to reduce tumor growth and metastasis in mice compared with corn or fish oil diets (Fritsche and Johnston, 1990). Although flaxseed and flaxseed oil and lig-nans have been shown to be beneficial, additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which flaxseed or its components function to reduce prostate cancer. 

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