Did you know that your meals can act as a formidable shield against breast cancer? Particularly, a tiny super-seed – the Flaxseed or Linseed, is a hero in this regard.
Those of you who follow me regularly know that I usually concentrate on skin health, well, today it's a little different as I really want to share this little health hack with you.
Linseed, Flaxseeed....These nutrient-packed seeds boast a rich content of lignans. Lignans are plant estrogens brimming with antioxidant properties, thus helping to ward off diseases.
While lignans are found in other food items such as broccoli and pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds are a step ahead, containing lignans in much higher concentrations.
So, how do flaxseeds contribute to your fight against breast cancer?
Studies indicate that lignans can decrease breast cancer mortality rates by 33 to 70%. They also have the potential to reduce overall mortality by 40-53%.
Some clinical trials have revealed that a daily consumption of 25 grams of flaxseeds for a month can decrease tumor growth in breast cancer patients.
Moreover, flaxseeds have been found to hinder metastasis (the spreading of cancer). A study in animals showed that a diet high in flaxseeds led to an impressive 82% reduction in metastasis compared to a control group.
How can I harness these benefits?
Simply introduce 2–4 tablespoons of flaxseeds into your daily diet. To further complement your organic skincare and health routine, let's also examine some everyday breast cancer risks that you should steer clear of:
Skincare products containing synthetic ingredients: Most of today's skincare contains substances that should not be anywhere near your skin, especially when you realise that about 60% of what you apply to your skin (be it healthy or toxic) gets absorbed directly into your bloodstream and causes havoc.
Toxic Deodorants: Commercial deodorants often contain aluminum and parabens. Some research suggests that these ingredients, when absorbed into the skin near the breast, may elicit estrogen-like hormonal effects.
Constricting Bras: Research by Drs. Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer involving over 4,000 women found that those not wearing bras had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer. Tight bras can hinder lymph drainage, impeding the body's ability to expel toxins.
High Sugar, Low Oxygen: Excessive sugar intake can feed cancer cells. On the other hand, oxygen-rich environments are detrimental to cancer. Hence, regular exercise, deep breathing, and a diet filled with alkaline, oxygen-rich foods (like greens and plant-based foods) can be beneficial.
Emotion Suppression: Learning to express, process, and let go of negative emotions is crucial in decreasing your risk of cancer. Studies from The University of Rochester and Harvard School of Public Health reveal a 70% increase in cancer deaths among those who suppress their emotions.
Here's an eye-opening fact
We all produce about 50,000 potentially malignant or dysfunctional cells daily. It's only when these cells reach about a billion in number, start organizing, and developing a self-sustaining system that a detectable mass forms.
We hope that this understanding helps alleviate some of your fears related to the big 'C'. Incorporating the above lifestyle changes, coupled with organic skincare habits, can go a long way in helping us maintain our health.
With love
Fiona
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or changes to your diet and lifestyle.