Flax Seed benefit
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Flaxseed was commonly used in cereals and breads in the Middle Ages, but has not been a staple in the modern diet since the industrial age. It is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which may affect levels of hormones that are involved in the progression of cancer. I consider flaxseed to be an excellent mind booster.

Flaxseed and Hormones
It appears that compounds in flaxseed influence levels of hormones, such as estrogens and testosterone, in the body. The exact nature of this influence is still being evaluated.
   Mice fed plenty of flaxseed seem to be protected against the worst forms of prostate cancer, which suggests flaxseed contains some protective components. Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and compounds known as lignans, all of which may play a role in protecting against cancer and perhaps also heart disease.

Flaxseed and hot flashes
The objective of this 2007 study was to evaluate the tolerability and the effect of 6 weeks of flaxseed therapy on hot flash scores in women not wishing to receive estrogen therapy. To be included in the study, women had to have at least 14 hot flashes per week and to not be using estrogen or any hormones. Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, director of the Mayo Breast Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, asked women to add 40 grams of crushed flaxseed daily to their diet. Most of the women added the flaxseed on yogurt or cereal or mixed it with orange juice or water. After six weeks, here was a fifty percent reduction in hot flash symptoms in the women who added flaxseed to their diet. However, half of the women had side effects which included to mild or moderate abdominal distention. Three out of ten experienced mild diarrhea, one experienced excess gas. Dr. Sandhya Pruthi is now planning a larger study.

Flax seed and the Brain
Doctors generally believe that the best way to treat mood, thought, and memory disorders is with pharmaceutical medicines that directly influence levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. Although drugs have very important clinical uses, they are only part of the solution. A comprehensive approach to treating cognitive disorders should include foods and supplements that benefit the overall health of brain cells. These include omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish.
   One way to influence brain health through diet is to consume the right fats and oils. About 60 percent of the brain consists of lipids (fats) which make up the lining, or cell membrane, of every brain cell. The types of fats present in the brain influence its structure and function. How well your mind works depends, in the long run, on what you eat.

Flaxseed and prostate gland research
Flaxseed may slow growth of prostate tumors - Including flaxseed as part of a low-fat diet may slow the growth of tumors in men with prostate cancer. According to a study published in the journal Urology, 25 men with prostate cancer supplemented with 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily for an average of one month had a greater rate of prostate tumor cell death than men who did not follow this diet.
    Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, excluding skin cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2001.
    Flaxseed contains a fiber-like compound, lignan, which is thought to bind to testosterone and possibly help remove it from the body. This could, in turn, help suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. Testosterone stimulates prostate cancer growth. Several conventional therapies block androgens such as testosterone as a way to control the spread of cancer.

Flax seed oil questions
Q. What is your opinion on fish oil supplements, and why not just take flaxseed oil since it has omega 3s? How much is needed to take daily?
   A. There are several Omega 3 fatty acids. They are named ALA (alpha linolenic acid ), EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). ALA is found in flaxseed oil whereas EPA and DHA are found in fish oils. ALA is able to convert into EPA and then into DHA, but this takes several enzymatic steps in the body, and not everyone efficiently converts ALA into EPA and DHA, particularly with aging. So, the bottom line, we prefer fish oils to flaxseed oil, although a small amount of flaxseed oil is also good to take.

Q. Dr. Sahelian's article on flax seed states that "unless taken in large amounts, flax seed oil has few side effects. Nevertheless, it's best not to overuse flax seed oil." Do you have any research or information as to how much daily intake of flax seed oil can be harmful, especially with regard to a potential increase in one's risk for developing prostate cancer?
   A. Flax seed has potential in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Research with flax seed oil in humans is limited and thus no easy answers are available. But, common sense dictates that one should not overdo on any particular food or supplement, and as long as reasonable amounts are ingested, there should not be a major concern.

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