Mind & Body

Breast Health

"Postmenopausal women whose diet contains high amounts of lignans, estrogen-like chemical compounds found in plants, may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Lignans, which are found in flaxseed and a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, belong to a family of compounds called phytoestrogens. Because of their hormone-like properties, phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors, and some have suggested they may play a role in preventing breast cancer. Studies of Asian populations have found that women whose diets contain many foods made of soy, which are rich in another type of phytoestrogen, have a lower breast cancer risk."

Read the entire article, Plant Compound in Diet Associated with Decreased Risk of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer, at the Hopkins Breast Center, Artemis Breast Cancer Newsletter: an incredible resource for breast health, treatment/support resources and preventative information. For more information on phytoestrogens and lignans, see Wikipedia.org

Some sources of lignans: flax seed, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, rye, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, kale, white cabbage, garlic, apricots, brussles sprouts, tempeh, alfalfa and mung beans. (Flax and sesame contain the highest levels on this list.)