Can Dietary Lignans Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

According to Dr. Kristie Leong, “Time to get out the flaxseed! According to a new study, eating more foods with lignans lowers the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. This study was part of a meta-analysis of 21 previous studies looking at the association between dietary lignans and breast cancer. Fortunately, the news is good for postmenopausal women who like to sprinkle a little flaxseed to their morning cereal.

What are Dietary Lignans?

Lignans are chemicals found in plants that are natural phytoestrogens. This means they bind to estrogen receptors on breast tissue, but have weaker activity than the estrogen naturally produced by the ovaries. When lignan precurors from plants and seeds, are eaten, they’re broken down into the two primary lignans – enterolactone and enterodiol – by bacteria in the intestines. These lignans not only act as phytoestrogens, but have weaker activity than the estrogen naturally produced by the ovaries”. For more see: Can Dietary Lignans Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?