Flaxseed and phytoestrogen

[Guest guest]

Do phytoestrogens, like those found in flaxseed, have an effect on male hormone balance It is definitely true that flaxseed contains an unusual amount of phytoestrogenic substances. The main phytoestrogenic component is the lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, or SDG. Bacteria in our large intestine can convert this SDG into two other lignans called enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL). These two lignans (ED and EL) have been show to have estrogen-like effects in the body. We've seen one research study that wondered if the SDG from flaxseed could impair bone development or bone quality in male laboratory animals, since bone metabolism is known to be regulated in part by estrogen status. This research study determined that male animals did not experience bone compromise when their diet was raised to a 10% flaxseed level. Food lignans have been extensively studied in soybeans, and using that model, researchers have

determined that intake of food lignans is protective against prostate cancer in men. So from this standpoint, the hormonal impact of flaxseed lignans should be a beneficial, not detrimental one, for men. There is some mixed evidence in the research with respect to high lignan intake and cardiovascular disease risk, but we think more research is needed in this area before any clear food recommendations can be developed. You mentioned infertility in connection with male hormone balance and flaxseeds, and we would like to point out here that increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been found to be improve sperm motility in men. This research finding would once again place flaxseed in the category of a helpful rather than harmful food with respect to men's health. It's also important to remember that flaxseeds (versus flaxseed supplements) are likely to be eaten in relatively small amounts within the context of a balanced whole, natural foods meal plan. That

context would greatly lower the changes of unwanted health consequences. In general, whole, natural foods-including flaxseeds-when eaten as part of a balanced meal plan, seldom have unwanted health effects (unless a person is allergic to those foods or has a health condition that makes them inappropriate in the meal plan). Suzi What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. health/ http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/ http://360./suziesgoats

Be a PS3 game guru.Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Games.