Researchers at the University of Toronto took 39 women with breast cancer. They gave half of them a plain muffin to eat for 5 and-a-half weeks. The other half also ate a muffin. But this contained 25 grams of flaxseed oil.
The results were amazing…
Researchers found a 33% reduction in the growth of the tumors in those who ate the flaxseed muffins. “Our results are very exciting because this is the first time anyone has demonstrated these changes in breast cancer with any dietary component,” says Dr. Paul Goss, director of the breast cancer prevention program at the Toronto Hospital.
There are two theories for this phenomenon…
One is that the fibre in the flax seed gets rid of the excess oestrogen. Other research has shown that increasing the amount of fibre in your diet reduces your risk of other cancers too…. including cancer of the colon. The second theory is that flax blocks your oestrogen receptors. By doing so, it lowers the rate of tumour growth.
So flax is something that could significantly help women AND men with cancer.
But it has a powerful role to play in prevention too…
Flax is very high in compounds called ‘lignans’. Many researchers believe these compounds can help protect us against cancer. Flax seed is also high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA). This is a form of plant-based omega 3 fatty acid. Many believe this is another promising cancer fighting agent.
And the benefits don’t stop there…
Other possible benefits of flax include lowering of bad cholesterol levels… lowering of triglyceride levels… and reducing your blood pressure. Recent studies suggest that flax seed oil can ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and colitis. These are ailments that affect your digestive system. Many naturopaths recommend that taking flax seed oil can help calm and soothe your inflamed intestines.
For some people flax can even reduce hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. This is because flax is a phytoestrogen, an oestrogen-like substance found in plants. This means flax can be used as a natural hormone stabiliser.
And finally, by taking a regular moderate amount of flax seed oil, you could even improve your mood.
Research by Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Chicago’s St. Luke’s Medical Center claims that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids could ease depression and help maintain your brain function. And flax seed is absolutely packed with these fatty acids.
Try this …. the ultimate flax product
For the ultimate in flax, you should try something called organic flax fibre LSA. Here the flax fibre has been ground to a very fine meal. It also includes ground sunflower seeds and almonds. These ingredients give LSA an ideal balance of omega3 and protein. And unlike most flax products this stuff
tastes good.
See, for many people taking flax can be unpleasant. It can feel little “gloopy”. But LSA is different. It tastes great, is easier to blend into food (as you’ll see from the muffin recipe in a moment), and it’s more nutritionally balanced. The sunflower seeds you get in LSA are high in Vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Plus they give you a healthy shot of iron. The almonds are there for an extra booster of monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids. This potent LSA mix can be sprinkled onto salad or vegetables. Or stir it into in smoothies, yoghurts, soups and sauces. Really, this is the most versatile way to get your flax.
A flax recipe for you to try
Remember the cancer-fighting muffin we discussed earlier?
Well, here’s a way to bake your own!
You’ll need:
140g whole wheat flour
95g Green Bay Harvest Flax Fibre LSA
45g cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
tsp ground cinnamon
3 medium carrots grated finely
45g cup raisins (rinsed in boiled water)
tblspoon flax or omega oil
Few drops of vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1 beaten egg
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180 C/gas mark 4.
2. Mix flours, flax fibre, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
3. Add carrots and raisins.
4. Mix eggs, milk and vanilla in a separate bowl, then add to dry ingredients.
5. Spoon batter in to lightly greased muffin tins.
6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Enjoy!