Flax Seeds & Breast Cancer Risk Reduction (A Natural Approach)

Breast cancer is one of the frequently encountered cancer types in women globally. Apart from genetic predisposition and environmental exposure, dietary habits and lifestyle choices also considerably increase the risk of breast cancer. Among the many superfoods being investigated for their possible benefits to health, flax seeds have captured the attention of researchers owing to their contribution to breast cancer risk mitigation. These minute seeds hold an expansive range of nutrients and bioactive components that promote good health and aid in reducing the chances of breast cancer development.

In this blog, we revert to the contours of how flax seeds purportedly affect breast cancer, their primary benefits, and the proportions in which they need to be consumed for optimal breast health.

Nutritional Powerhouse: What Makes Flax Seeds Special?

Flax seeds (also known as linseed) are an abundant source of different nutritional elements which include:

Why Are Flax Seeds Important When Fighting Breast Cancer?  

Flax seeds are rich in bioactive compounds that help in fighting cancer and these compounds make their structure complex. Here’s what helps make flax seeds a superfood in breast cancer prevention:  

Lignans: The Natural Estrogen Modulators  

Flax seeds may be the best source of lignans containing plants, as they have the most. These compounds are known for being phytoestrogens, meaning plant estrogens that can palliate activity such as estrogen in the body. They balance estrogen levels by raising or lowering its activity depending on the bodys demands.  

How it Helps? In cases like hormone-sensitive breast cancer, estrogen in the body can easily cause cancer cell proliferation. The lumped forms of lignan in flax seeds are the ones that cause estrogen receptors to block, which is a good option for lowering the risks of developing estrogen-positive breast cancer.  

Scientific Evidence: It has been demonstrated that high intake of hastalones lignin correlates to low levels of breast cancer contact among women grade aged breast cancer risks, most importantly, post-menopausal women.  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse  

Flaxseed remains one of the most potent plant based active source for Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which are a subtype of Omega 3 Fatty acid as compared to any other seed.  

How It Helps? Omega 3 have powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities which helps reduce the activities of cancer tissues and tumor development.

Scientific Evidence: Breast cancer risk has been shown to be lower due to lower levels of inflammation, which is linked to higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Fiber: Helps Infetech the Body

Flax seeds are an amazing source of both types of dietary fibers which are essential in maintaining digestive health. 

How It Helps?

Fiber helps eliminate dominance in estrogen by binding with excess amounts of the hormone in your body and removing it. 

Healthy guts are a plus for every one of us. They assist the body to fight different diseases including cancer. 

Scientific Evidence: Women who eat a lot of fiber have a lower risk of developing breast cancer when compared to women with lower fiber intake, as fiber moderates the hormone levels. 

Antioxidants: The Shield Against Free Radicals 

Flax seeds are a great source of potent antioxidants which help get rid of the free radicals in the body. 

How It Helps? Cancers arise due to increased oxidative stress, and with free radicals comes more chaos. Antioxidants prevent damage to DNA which brings with it a higher chance of cancerous lesions forming. Less the damage, lower the risk. 

Scientific Evidence: The risk for developing most types of cancer including breast cancer is at lower rates for those who consume a lot of polyphenol enriched foods.

In What Ways Can Flax Seeds Be Added To A Diet? 

The most simple and effective approach to adding flax seeds in to the diet is to make their use in cooking. The following are a few very simple suggestions that are easy to adapt to your diet: 

1. Gound Flax Seeds (Per Best Option)

Because whole flax seeds are hard for the body to digest, ground flaxmeal is the top choice as it allows for maximum nutrients to be digested.

2. Flax gel

Maximise benefits by soaking a tablespoon of ground flax seeds overnight and drinking the gel-like substance in the morning. 

3. Smoothies & Other Beverages

Mixing a couple of teaspoons of ground flax seeds with smoothies, yogurt and fresh juice to morning beverages is always a good idea.

4. Cooking & Baking

Flax seeds work nicely with the batter of pancakes, muffins, chapati dough, and even oatmeal or salad dressing. 

5. Flaxseed Oil

Use flaxseed oil as a drizzle for cooked vegetables or a salad dressing for another good way to incorporate super omega 3’s into the diet. 

What Is The Recommended Daily Dose? 

Generally, health benefits come from 1-2 teaspoons of ground flax seeds consumed per day.

What Are The Potential Warnings of Flaxseeds?

As with many things, flax seeds are safe on virtually every spectrum, but one must be cautious of:

• An upset stomach that causes bloating or gas due to fiber overconsumption.
• Hormonal effects in certain individuals having hormone-sensitive issues (always consult a doctor beforehand)
• Blood-thinner drugs alongside hormone other therapies that can mix with medication.

To eliminate the risk of achieving side effects, begin with a lower threshold and increase your dosage as necessary.

Scientific Studies Supporting Flax Seeds & Prevention of Breast Cancer

•  Lignan intake was linked to lower breast cancer risk in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology where women suffered from high power breast cancer grade C.
• Lignan consumption was also associated with improved survival post breast cancer for older women based on findings in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
• Flaxseed consumption was shown to reduce tumor production as well as cancer cells expansion according to the research of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

These aforementioned findings illustrate flax seeds potential inclusion in the diet of a woman diagnosed or at risk with breast cancer for prevention and treatment.

Final Thoughts: Better Health with The Base Surgery Clinic

One of the superfood that can help in preventing the chances of developing breast cancer is flaxseed. Its lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants work together in regulating hormones while reducing inflammation. While it’s evident that flax seeds cannot single-handedly serve as a protective shield against breast cancer, what can dramatically lower your chance of developing breast cancer is combining flax seeds with a nutritious diet, regular physical exercises, and frequent medical consultations.

The Base Surgery Clinic is always available for its clients who are most concerned with breast cancer treatments and prevention. We provide our patients with experienced specialists and state of the art health care, which allows us to ensure the highest level of service to our clients. Our supportive services start with early diagnosis and include surgery, post-treatment care, and overall healing process. All of these steps combined mean that better health is within reach, and our expert team is happy to help.

Get in touch with The Base Surgery Clinic today and consult our specialists to take action for your health today.

Remember to Stay Informed and Healthy!

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