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Flaxseed Lignans and SDG Health Topic
The phytonutrient SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside) is a lignan isolated from flaxseed. Flaxseeds contain more lignans than any other plant. SDG is converted by the body into beneficial hormone-like compounds called phytoestrogens. Lignans act as hormone balancers, binding to estrogen receptors in the body, thereby lowering the excess estrogen levels which can trigger such conditions as PMS and breast cancer. In one study, patients received 25 grams flaxseed or placebo daily for just over a month. The patients who received flaxseed meal had decreased tumor cell proliferation rate similar to the effects seen with the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen.
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Learn More About Flaxseed Lignans
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Flaxseed, A Neglected Food
Flaxseed is an excellent source of two fatty acids that are essential for human health: alpha-linolenic (omega-3) and linoleic (omega-6). Flaxseed contains a protein that has all the essential amino acids.
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Flaxseed Phytoestrogens Benefit Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. The essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid makes up more than 50% of this mix. Flaxseeds are an excellent source of soluble fiber (mucilage, gum). Whole flaxseeds are known to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, reduce postprandial glucose absorption, decrease some markers of inflammation, and raise serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds are by far the major source of a class of phytoestrogens called lignans. The major component, a lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), is the main precursor of enterodiol and enterolactone, active phytoestrogens in humans. SDG can suppress the gene expression of a key enzyme in hepatic gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis in the liver).
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Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Lignan Extract on Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Dietary flaxseed lignan extract (containing 33% secoisolariciresinol diglucoside - SDG) appreciably improves lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia subjects, and the therapeutic efficacy appeared comparable to that of commonly used intervention agents of alpha1A-adrenoceptor blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY
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Reduction of Serum Cholesterol and Hypercholesterolemic Atherosclerosis in Rabbits by Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Isolated From Flaxseed
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is a plant lignan isolated from flaxseed. Lignans are platelet-activating factor-receptor antagonists that would inhibit the production of oxygen radicals by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. SDG is an antioxidant. SDG reduced hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis and this effect was associated with a decrease in serum cholesterol, LDL-C, and lipid peroxidation product and an increase in HDL-C and antioxidant reserve.
SCIENTIFIC STUDY
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Flaxseed Proteins May Have Blood Pressure Lowering Potential
Flaxseed meal contains peptide amino acid sequences that may be exploited as potential food sources for lowering blood pressure based on their angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, thereby improving blood flow and blood pressure.
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Lignans: The New Phytonutrient
Lignans are phytonutrients found in a wide variety of foods. Flaxseed contains 75-800 times more lignans than any other plant. Our intestines convert lignan-rich foods into beneficial hormone-like compounds, phytoestrogens. The most important lignan in flaxseed is secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG). While lignans have an oestrogen-like action, they are considerably weaker that our endogenous oestrogen, and act as hormone balancers. In conditions which are linked with excess oestrogen (such as PMS, unhealthy breast tissue and breast cancer) lignans compete with a woman's own oestrogen, having an oestrogenic-lowering effect. In one study, patients received 25 gms flaxseed or placebo daily for just over a month. The patients who received flaxseed meal had decreased tumor cell proliferation rate similar to the effects seen with the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen.
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