Flax is a plant that has been recognized since people first started to cultivate plants and flax has lent its unique properties to humankind for a great chunk of our history. The uses of flax are numerous and included cooking oils, seed and strong durable cloth. Medically, it was initially used to help cure coughs although recent research suggests that flax may have more application in treating and preventing prostate and breast cancer, and keeping arteries clear

Flax seed is rich in alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat that has anti inflammatory properties. Specifically it is the flax lignans, these are fibers found in flax that are thought to contain the therapeutic agents. Other plants contain lignans such as these but none are as rich a provider as flax.

Hormones and Cancer

Sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone, important in libido and reproduction can go out of balance and stimulate the overgrowth of breast or prostate tissue, which can have important consequences for cancers of this type. Lignans act as phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds that have a similar action to estrogen in the body. When phytoestrogens are ingested, the body transforms them into a form that keeps hormones from over stimulating cells, thereby helping to support normal cell growth. Lignans are also thought to interfere with the enzymes that promote development of cancer.

Epidemological studies of populations that eat a lot of lignan suggest that this aspect of their diet produces lower breast cancer rates, and preliminary research suggests that increased lignan intake may act to protect breast tissue against cancerous growths. In a study published in 20001 women that were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and ate a significant amount of flaxseed every day showed reduction in the growth of cancer tumors. Numerous animal studies have shown similar findings.

Lignans are important compounds in the body's fight against free radicals, the highly reactive substances that are created in many of the processes in the body and are implicated in cancers, heart disease and many other disorders. Lignans essentially mop up these free radicals, restricting their negative effect on our bodies.

Flax also has a positive effect on hormones and the substance appears to counter the effects of stress. One study2 of post-menopausal women showed that the participants who are the most lignans in their diet experienced the biggest fall in stress hormone levels and blood pressure

Flax, Men and Prostate Cancer

Studies have also shown huge health benefits of lignans for men. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers known and prostate cells can be influences by hormonal changes in very negative ways. An early study has suggested that flax lignans, in combination with a low-fat diet, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In the Duke University study, 25 men with prostate cancer were fed large doses of flax. All subjects experienced reduced hormone and cholesterol levels, and the tumor progression was slower3.

The benefits of flax for men do not end here. The plants ability to moderate the male hormone testosterone has many positive indications. Animal studies have suggested that flax can reduce prostate enlargement, although not related to prostate cancer, it is an uncomfortable condition that affects many aging men. Additionally flax lignans interfere with DHT, a form of testosterone that can attack hair follicles and cause unwanted oil production in the skin, thus helping to prevent acne and hair loss, conditions dear to any teenagers heart.

Flax has been a mainstay in the background of human development for a long time and with mounting evidence that of the medicinal benefits of flax, it looks like it will be around for a lot longer.