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Flaxseed and Phytoestrogens

#Flaxseeds are a rich source of phytoestrogens which can help to regulate levels of estrogen in the women’s body. They can be helpful in reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and PMS.

Flaxseed and Hormone Balance

Women undergo hormonal changes dramatically week to week as the body navigates the phases of the menstrual cycle.  As a woman near her Menopause, she goes through even more hormonal chaos. Ultimately, post-menopause, both estrogen, and progesterone settle into a new low normal.

Moreover our external environment and lifestyle also plays a significant role in hormonal balance. High stress lifestyles, nutrient-depleted diets, inflammatory foods, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and disruption of our circadian rhythm all have the ability to throw our body off balance.

Balancing hormones is very essential as it can influence everything from our mood to our metabolism and everything in between. Hormones are chemicals when they are imbalanced we suffer from symptoms like PMS, acne, mood swings, weight gain, and hot flashes. When they are balanced we feel our absolute best!

Learn about the science and symptoms of a woman’s 28-day menstrual cycle, hormones & period.

Estrogen, cortisol and thyroid function are all intertwined and a negative balance can trigger unnecessary weight gain (especially during menopause). 

Read: Cortisol Levels and Weight Gain (Stress Hormone)

Flaxseed and Phytoestrogens

A phytoestrogen is a plant nutrient that is somewhat similar to the female hormone estrogen. Due to this similarity, lignans may have estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic effects in the body.

Flaxseed, a type of phytoestrogen, is the richest dietary source of lignans which can change estrogen metabolism. In postmenopausal women, lignans can cause the body to produce less active forms of estrogen. This is believed to potentially reduce breast cancer risk. 

Moreover because of this weak estrogen effect, flaxseed may help ease hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. 

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In menstruating women, studies have found that women who consume just one tablespoon of ground flaxseed per day reduced the number of anovulatory (absence of ovulation) cycles. They also attained a more favorable progesterone to estrogen ratio.

In postmenopausal women, supplementing a diet with flaxseed produced a shift to the less biologically active form of estrogen. This could potentially provide protection against estrogen-induced cancers and health issues without negatively impacting bone health.

Read more on Flaxseeds and Breast Cancer

Phytoestrogens are found in a variety of foods, including soy, flaxseeds, other nuts and seeds, whole grains, and some vegetables and fruit. 

Check our report on Phytoestrogens: food or drug? – PMC – NCBI

Flaxseed also can help keep cholesterol down and bowels healthy. The oil in flaxseed, alpha-linoleic acid, is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. Flaxseed is also high in fiber.

Flaxseeds Fire Up Metabolism

Flaxseeds also fire up metabolism, burn body fat and control sugar spikes. They are rich in Lignans, Fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. Also rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, protein and potassium.

Flaxseeds are Beneficial for Improving Fertility

Flaxseed is known to help women’s fertility by improving their chances of conception. Flax seeds help in promoting normal ovulation and in restoring hormonal balance. It also protects postmenopausal women from risk of cardiovascular disease.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check with their physicians before including it in their diet.

Did you know that Shatavari has traditionally been used to help maintain hormonal balance, to cleanse, nourish, and strengthen the female reproductive system?

Flaxseeds are good for the Heart and the Thyroid. 

Flaxseeds are rich in good fatty acids that are good for the heart and the thyroid. They help in the production of the thyroid hormones. Rich in magnesium and vitamin B12, flaxseeds fight hypothyroidism.

Tip: Manage Unexpected Weight Gain with Kanchnar Guggulu

Flax seeds in your Diet

Fortunately, include a high quality ground flaxseed in your routine to give your body a little extra support! 

You may include flaxseed to your diet, with a small amount and make sure you drink plenty of water. Grinding the seeds makes it easier for your body to absorb the lignans. Many registered dietitians advise eating 1 or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal daily.

There are many ways and many reasons to consider adding ground flaxseed into your daily routine. It’s always awesome to find an easy (and tasty) way to boost health through real food.

20 Ways to Cook & Eat Flax Seeds for Weight Loss