Should Women with Fibroids Avoid Soy?
When it comes to uterine fibroids, is soy harmful, harmless, or helpful?
Lignans
Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Emily
What are lignans?
Lignans are an anticancer plant compound found in whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds. Flaxseeds may contain up to 800 times more lignans than any other foods. Flaxseeds also give you the most bang for your buck at just $1 per pound in the bulk food section. I recommend one tablespoon per day in my Daily Dozen checklist, though make sure it is ground flaxseed or the nutrients may not be absorbed.
Those who eat a plant-based diet will most likely consume more lignans on a daily basis than those eating a diet rich in animal products.
Lignans and Cancer
Lignans may reduce the risk of breast cancer along with prolonging the life of those living with breast cancer. Lignans may improve survival rate with breast cancer and cut mortality in half.
Lignans found in flaxseeds may slow the growth of prostate cancer. Studies have shown a decrease in PSA levels (biomarker of prostate cancer), decreased cell growth, and decreased cholesterol with daily flaxseed consumption.
For substantiation of any statements of fact from the peer-reviewed medical literature, please see the associated videos below.
