Introduction
Lignans are a group of chemical compounds found in plant-based foods including flaxseeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, and rye. When these foods are digested, intestinal bacteria activates the lignans. Lignans are considered phytoestrogens, states the University of Maryland Medical Center, and may act as weak or antiestrogens in your body. Research is being conducted in regard to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its possible benefit of reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels.
The richest source of lignans comes from crushed or macerated flaxseeds. A study published in 2010 in the "British Journal of Nutrition" tested the lignan from flaxseeds in regard to cancer. They found that flax lignans might lower your cancer risk by preventing pre-cancerous cellular changes, as well as slow down the progression and movement of cancer cells. The American Cancer Society reports that lignans may help to reduce the growth of hormone-related cancers including prostate, breast and ovarian cancer, though more human research is needed.
Function
Cardiovascular Disease
Diets rich in foods containing plant lignans (whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables) have been consistently associated with reductions in risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lignans have anti-estrogenic properties that mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors but dont have the same antagonistic effects of estrogen.
Prostate Health
A case-controlled study conducted in Scotland found that higher serum enterolactone concentrations were associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Enterolactone is produced in the intestines by bacteria acting on lignans.
Flaxseed SDG may have a therapeutic role in lupus nephritis.
Colon Health
Flaxseed, the richest source of mammalian lignan precursors, such as secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), has been shown over the short term to decrease some early markers of colon cancer risk.
Hair Growth
There are studies that indicate that people with high amounts of lignans in their bodies have a reduced rate of hair loss and other studies that have shown hair regeneration.
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