Lignans: An Important Phytonutrient

Lignans are phytonutrients found in many seeds, legumes, grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Lignans are currently being studied for their cancer-fighting properties, and its suggested that they offer protection for a wide range of physical conditions.

The highest source is found largely in the seeds and the grains of flax (sometimes called linseed), a blue-flowered plant that produces small seeds when harvested. Flax has been utilized for over seven thousand years, and its effects on health have been studied since the early 1980s. How can lignans help? Lignans are effective in preventing cancer, especially breast, because of their similarities to estrogen.

Lignans are the phytoestrogen in flaxseed, much like isoflavones are in soy. They act like the estrogen in a womans body, attaching to the estrogen present and in turn reducing the natural estrogens effect. This can be especially helpful in preventing breast cancer, which needs estrogen to develop. Recent studies have also shown they may reduce the incidence of prostate cancer. Lignans have a number of other benefits. They can help boost energy and aid people with sleep disorders rest more easily. They increase immunity and can facilitate digestion and stop constipation.

They are believed to have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, and can be effective against a range of skin and hair conditions. Lignans are an antioxidant, which prevents cell damage from free radicals. Cooking flaxseed doesnt reduce its benefits, but be cautious about adding the oil to foods: the grain source of flax contains a high amount of lignans, while the oil contains a very low concentration. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid a high amount of lignans as its unclear about the effects on hormones and reproductive organs at high levels. Those with diabetes should also be careful, as lignans can cause problems with glucose absorption.

Allergic reactions to lignans are extremely rare, although they can occur. Keywords: lignans, phytonutrient, flax, side effects of lignans, breast cancer, phytoestrogen, prostate cancer, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral, cell damage, allergic reactions to lignans.

Recommended Lignans Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Lignans is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Lignans, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.