Flaxseed Improves Prostate Cancer Markers Last month, we absolutely raved about the use of ground flaxseedčs health benefits including cancer prevention and therapeutics. Now, new research demonstrates that flaxseed has even greater benefits than first reported. This news should be especially important to all men who are interested in reducing their risk for prostate cancer. Flaxseed Curbs Prostate Tumors  In the latest study from Duke University Medical,
Dr. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried and co-investigators
studied the ability of flax to inhibit prostate cancer
among 25 men who were awaiting surgical removal of
their prostates. These 25 men were told to consume a
low-fat diet that they supplemented with three
tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day. They simply
sprinkled it into their cereal or other favorite food.
Reporting in the July issue of the journal Urology, the researchers observed that after an average of only 34 days of supplementation with the flaxseed, the men had lowered cholesterol and testosterone levels and an increase in the number of dead tumor cells, compared to historic controls. Their levels of prostate specific antigen, used to measure tumor size, also fell. No loss of libido was reported. Similar observations on the power of flaxseed to aid men in prostate cancer prevention and treatment have been made in Europe at the Oncology Centre, Antwerp, Belgium. Writing in 1999 in the journal European Urology, researchers noted that Asian men have much lower incidences of prostate cancer and possibly of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) than their Western counterparts. Vegetarian men also have a lower incidence of prostate cancer than omnivorous males. Both Asian and vegetarian men consume low-fat, high-fiber diets which provide a rich supply of weak dietary estrogens and lignans. The researchers propose these phytoestrogens and lignans are helpful in reducing prostate cancer risk. Many foods of plant origin, of course, contain varying amounts of these compounds and hundreds of plants, we now know, manifest some degree of estrogenic activity. Soy, a dietary staple in many parts of Asia, is a major source of the isoflavonoids, daidzein and genistein. Flavonoids are present in high concentration in many fruits, vegetables and crop species. Apples, onions and tea-leaves are excellent sources of flavonoids. Plant lignans are present in many cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables, and give rise to the mammalian anticancer lignans, enterodiol and enterolactone; however, the richest source is flaxseed. "In addition to their estrogenic activity, many of these plant compounds can interfere with steroid metabolism and bioavailability, and also inhibit enzymes, such as tyrosine kinase and topoisomerase, which are crucial to cellular proliferation." The Doctorčs Prescription Although the researchers cautioned that more studies are necessary, the use of dietary flaxseed as a means of reducing risk of prostate cancer appears promising. There are no adverse health effects associated with flaxseed when used as at the dosage of three tablespoons daily, as in the most recent study. Besides, flaxseed has so many benefits that go beyond cancer prevention and therapeutics. If youčre already health conscious youčre probably consuming oatmeal or other cereals in the morning as a part of a nutritious breakfast. You can easily use four tablespoons in your cereal, enjoy the taste and the great nutritional benefits. You can also mix with yogurt or salads as a topping or add a heaping teaspoon or two to your favorite juice. Better yet, bake flaxseed muffins. How to Select a Quality Milled Flaxseed Product Be sure when you purchase milled flaxseed for your baking needs that the label of your product states that the flax is from cold-milled, select flaxseed and that it is 100 percent organic and therefore pesticide- and herbicide-free. Such a milling process delicately liberates naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lignans, and phytonutrients without damaging fragile omega-3 fatty acids. Concurrently, the surface area of both soluble and insoluble fibers is greatly increased for maximum benefit. Another advantage with flaxseed is that the viscous nature of soluble fibers such as flaxseed mucilage is believed to slow down digestion and absorption of starch, resulting in lower levels of blood glucose, insulin and other endocrine responses. Just two to four tablespoons is the recommended daily amount for men battling prostate disease. References: 1. Hu,F.B.,et al.ìDietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid and risk of fatal ischemic heart disease among women.î Am J Clin Nutr,1999;69(5):890-897.  Some of Our Favorite RecipesBet you cant eat just one! Orange Bran Flax Muffins
FLAX Banana Bread
*Mill flaxseed in a coffee grinder to a granular, free-flowing meal.  Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
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