Many of us have heard of flax seed oil, but did you know that the flax seed hulls are one of the richest sources of lignans in the plant kingdom? In addition to their lignan content, flax seed hulls contain high levels of omega 3's as well as a huge amount of antioxidants. (Note: flax seed oil contains little or no lignans). Research has shown that Lignans may have a beneficial effect on both women's and men's health.

What are Lignans?

Lignans belong to a group of plant nutrients called phytonutrients which are found in seeds, grains and vegetables. Flax seed by far, is the richest source of plant lignans. Other foods containing lignans are much lower in content than flax seed hulls which contains 70-800 times more lignans than any other plant. Other sources containing plant lignans include sesame seeds, curly kale, broccoli, apricots, cabbage, strawberries, dark rye bread, wheat, oats, barley and brussel sprouts. 

Lignans are a group of chemical compounds found in all of the above plants and are one of the major classes of phytoestrogens (oestrogen-like chemicals that act as antioxidants). Flax hull lignans help balance oestrogen levels in the body, thus helping balance our hormone levels. When flax hull lignans are included in the human diet, they are metabolized to form mammalian lignans, this occurs when these foods are ingested and metabolised by our intestinal bacteria. The lignan found in flax seed is called SDG.

What is SDG?

The major lignan in flax seed hulls is secoisolariciresinal digycoside - SDG. A high intake of dietary plant lignans is associated with high levels of mammalian lignans in blood serum and urine. Mammalian lignans are believed to be potent antioxidants. Flax is one of the richest sources of SDG that we know of today.

Many scientists over a period of time have known that flax seed hulls containing the lignan SDG have amazing nutritional benefits, however they have not been until to unlock these nutrients until recently. There is now a chemical-free method of mechanically separating the lignan-rich hulls from the rest of the flax seed.

Management of oestrogen levels with plant phytoestrogens has been a topic of research for a number of years. Isoflavonoids and lignans are two commonly occurring phytoestrogens. Isoflavonoids occur principally in soy whilst lignans occur in most plants.  

About Oestrogen

Oestrogen in balance and replenishment  of this hormone is necessary for a women's body to function normally. During childbearing years, oestrogen is typically high in women and drops away as we reach menopause. Without adequate levels of this vital hormone, women approaching or going through menopause may experience symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and loss of bone density. Whilst with too much oestrogen produces symptoms during younger years which may include irregular menstrual cycles, pre-mentrual symptoms (PMS), bloating, mood changes and breast abnormalities or tenderness. 

Visit melrosehealth.com.au for more information on the role Lignans play in balancing oestrogen in the female body.

Sources: Oregan State University -Linus Pauling Institute, Melrose Health, HSI - Health Science Institute

This page is offered as 'information' only. Echolife Australia takes no responsibility for your taking Flax Seed Lignans without first consulting your medical practitioner or health-care professional. 

Please note: The safety of lignan supplements in pregnant or lactating women has not been established, therefore women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take these supplements. Please consult your medical practitioner or health-care professional for advice.