Flax seeds are the richest source of phytoestrogens known as plant lignans. Phytoestrogens can bind to our body’s estrogen receptors and interfere with the much stronger stimulating effects on breast tissue of the body’s own estrogen hormone. Studies have also shown that the beneficial plant lignans in flax seeds can decrease the levels of free estrogen hormone in the body, which can reduce a women’s risk of breast cancer. Other health conditions that are associated with elevated estrogen levels will also benefit from flax seeds, such as uterine fibroids. Flax seeds are also high in fibre and is very beneficial for constipation.

 

Goal: 1-2 Tablespoons of ground flax seeds daily.

Purchase whole flax seeds and grind them yourself with a coffee grinder or seed grinder. Grinding them greatly enhances their digestibility and nutritional value. Once ground, eat them within 15 minutes because the beneficial fatty acids are prone to oxidation and spoilage. It is best freshly ground daily or you can grind enough for 2 days and store the ground flax seeds in the freezer to prevent spoilage. If you must purchase ground flax seeds, only purchase those that are vacuum-packed and found in the refrigerated section, otherwise the oils will have gone rancid.  Store unground flax seeds in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer (it will keep fresh for 6 months in the fridge, 1 year in the freezer).

 

Enjoy sprinkled over breakfast cereal, oatmeal, in smoothies, over salads, or mixed with grains.

 

Reap additional health benefits for breast cancer by using flax seed oil as well. The oil has a mild, sweet, nutty flavour (if it smells skunky, it has gone rancid). Always purchase in opaque, glass bottles and store in the fridge (it will last 6 weeks in the fridge and about 3 months in the freezer). And remember, never cook with flax seed oil - if you heat it, you will damage the beneficial fatty acids. Enjoy drizzled over cooked vegetables, pasta, or grains, as a salad dressing, or spread over bread as a butter substitute. Goal: 1-2 Tablespoons of flax seed oil daily.