It is the richest known source of a group of compounds called lignans. Although the complete understanding of how these remarkable compounds act is still being worked out, it appears that they have some, but not all, of the properties of estrogen. Not surprisingly, lignans seem to have the most effect in retarding the growth of breast cancers. One study published last month showed it to be as effective as the widely used drug tamoxifen in shrinking breast tumors. Also supporting this notion that lignans and breast cancer may be related is an intriguing study that showed that women who develop breast cancer have extremely low levels of lignans in their body tissues and fluids.
Flaxseed is available in whole grain form at most healthfood stores.
It is also an ingredient in cereals such as Uncle Sam's cereal that can be purchased over the Internet or at many regular grocery stores. The oil from the seed can also be consumed in capsules which is available at most vitamin or healthfood stores. However, it is not certain that consuming just the oil from capsules will provide the same anticancer effects. Most studies seem to recommend consuming flaxseed after the seed has been ground-up into meal and mixed with a liquid or baked into muffins. As always, before changing your diet or medications or adding any new foods to your diet, check with your healthcare provider to get a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits for you as an individual.