“There is a lack of knowledge about lignans, a very important antioxidant,” stated Sarah Bishop, marketing coordinator for Flax 4 Life, based in Washington, a maker of baked goods such as brownies, muffins, cookies, granola and cakes that contain high-lignan flaxseed.
According to Bishop, flaxseed lignans are perfect for vegans and vegetarians who won’t obtain DHA/EPA from animal sources (fish and krill).
Lignans are phytonutrients that have both soluble and insoluble fiber. Lignans are antioxidants that may also support the immune system. Additionally, lignans are excellent for balancing hormone levels in the body. In women, they help balance estrogen levels; in men, they help balance the testosterone-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) relationship and inhibit certain enzymes needed to convert testosterone to DHT. This results in lower DHT levels, which may improve prostate health and may help maintain testosterone levels.
Also, in men, women and animals, lignans are known to inhibit the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, which helps reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. They also have anti-estrogenic effects and can prevent naturally occurring (and sometimes radical) hormones from binding to estrogen receptors and exerting their negative effects. Lignans provide a weaker, cleaner estrogen to balance any deficit or surplus.
Other health benefits of flaxseed lignans shown by research are support for colon health and digestion, prostate health, hot flashes and menopause, and blood sugar health and cholesterol.
