Flaxseed acts as estrogen?

Enjcg5

My sons and I have been eating ground flaxseed in yogurt for years. Then I read that it's not good. I read it on Floliving. Please tell me I haven't been unknowingly pumping us full of estrogen all this time.

robot_potato

It contains phytoestrogens, which are quite similar. The act similar to estrogen but they are NOT actual estrogen. They can alter your body's estrogen production, causing production of less active estrogens, which may prevent estrogen-receptive cancers (ovarian, cervical, breast) in post-menopausal women.

Studies are still ongoing, but to me there seems little, if any, risk and the benefits far outweigh.

I've been watching University of Maryland's study on this for a while, it pops up near the top of dr. Google and cites all sources if you want to dig deeper.

Enjcg5

Thank you. It's just hard to eat these days with all the "research."

robot_potato

No problem. I worry a lot about what we put into our bodies as well, near everything seems to have some sort of issue, but we have to eat something.

vingogly

If your sons have been eating flaxseed for years and don't notice any "feminizing" effects like breast tissue growth, I personally wouldn't worry about it. But that's me.

Soybeans also have phytoestrogens; I have prostate cancer, and try to have a cup of soy milk or a bit of some other soybean product (like a serving of edamame or tofu) every day since some research suggests it can positively impact prostate cancer growth. I avoid flaxseed because I'm on blood thinners, and flax can decrease clotting.

I like this statement about consumption of soy (same probably applies to flaxseed) -- note the statement on moderation being the key:

For a typical consumer, alarm over soy products is likely unnecessary but so is the belief that a soy-rich diet will alleviate all ills. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or attempting to become pregnant should use soy foods with caution and be aware that soy formula may not be the best option for their babies. Older individuals, especially those with high cholesterol, may experience modest benefits including improved bone and cardiovascular health, and perhaps a decreased risk of carcinogenesis. Moderation is likely key and the incorporation of real foods, as opposed to supplements or processed foods to which soy protein is added, is probably essential for maximizing health benefits.

source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/

Note: I visited the Flo Living site and noticed they offer a free four day hormone detox. I'd be wary of advice offered on any site that advertises a detox on their home page -- there ain't no such thing.