Flax Seed Oil & Cancer

There have been reports that state that men should avoid taking flax seed oil based on findings that show that the oil may result in the growth of prostate tumors in someone with prostate cancer. The answer to this question is two fold.

Benefits of Flax Seed Oil on Cancer

It has long been known that flax seed oil is beneficial when it comes to the treatment of cancer. There was a study conducted decades ago to show the effect of flax seed oil on cancer patients. Patients were given a diet that contained high levels of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese. The use of the flax seed was because of its high amount of linol-acids.

Patients who were on this diet saw a change in their blood as it became bright red, compared to the yellowy-green shade it had before. The tumors also began to disappear. The theory behind the reduction and drastic change was based on the fact that flax seed oil contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids (essential for physical and mental wellbeing)and lignan (antioxidants and phytoestrogens (substances that act like estrogen). These two ingredients are widely believed to be cancer fighters.

Flax Seed Oil Promotes Prostate Cancer?

Flaxseed oil is highly unsaturated. The majority of the fatty acids contained in the oil are polyunsaturates. The fatty acids that are of concern when it comes to prostate cancer is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid.

A study was conducted in 2004 and published in the July 2004 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The findings showed found an important relationship between intake of ALA and the risk of prostate cancer.

It should be noted that when the flax seed oil is removed the seed and it is separated from its phytochemical bodyguards, the chances are increased that the oil will break down and cause health problems. When you have a whole flax seed you get everything from fiber, fats  and the phytochemical compounds and antioxidants known as lignans that are naturally present in flax.

When you have flax seed oil, the above mentioned ingredients are not present. There are products that contain everything however.

In the end, if you have concerns about prostate cancer or any other cancer, be sure to discuss your choices with your physician or the dietitian with whom you doctor works.