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AICR Food Facts  >  Foods That Fight Cancer

Flaxseed: Full of Fiber and Phytochemicals

This content was last updated on April 8, 2021

The Cancer Research

Flaxseed’s potential influence on breast, prostate, and other hormone-related cancers has led to an interest in its role for the prevention and survivorship of these cancers. Results have shown mixed findings, and much more human research is needed.

Interpreting the data

After a systematic review of the global scientific literature, AICR/WCRF analyzed how foods and their nutrients affect the risk of developing cancer.

“Convincing” or “probable” evidence means there is strong research showing a causal relationship to cancer—either decreasing or increasing the risk. The research must include quality human studies that meet specific criteria and biological explanations for the findings.

A convincing or probable judgement is strong enough to justify recommendations.

  • There is probable evidence that foods containing dietary fiber DECREASE the risk of:
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Weight gain, overweight and obesity*

*This is important, because there is strong evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of at least 12 different cancers.

 

Source: AICR/WCRF. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective, 2018.

Ongoing Areas of Investigation

  • Tips for Selection, Storage and Preparation
    Selection:
    • Whole flaxseed provides plenty of fiber, but our bodies can’t digest it enough to access its other healthful components. Ground flaxseed offers more potential health benefits, but it doesn’t stay fresh as long as whole flaxseed.
    • Buy whole flaxseed to grind in a coffee or spice grinder.
    • If ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal is more convenient, buy either type, refrigerated or in a vacuum-sealed package.
    • Flaxseed oil is quite perishable. Buy it in refrigerated opaque bottles.
    Storage:
    • Store whole flaxseed up to a year in an airtight container in a dry, cool cabinet.
    • Store ground flaxseed in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 30 days or in freezer up to four months.
    Preparation Ideas:
    • Add ground flaxseed to hot or cold cereal, yogurt or smoothies.
    • Sprinkle ground flaxseed on salads or on top of cooked vegetables for a nutty flavor.
    • Include ground flaxseed in baked muffins or other quick breads.
    • Flaxseed may decrease absorption of medications, so take it one hour before or two hours after any prescription or non-prescription medicine. Talk to your physician or healthcare provider about use if taking fish oil, omega-three supplements or anticoagulant medications.
    • Drizzle flaxseed oil on salads or vegetables or in smoothies. Do not cook with flaxseed oil.

References

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  15. Demark-Wahnefried W, Polascik TJ, George SL, et al. Flaxseed supplementation (not dietary fat restriction) reduces prostate cancer proliferation rates in men presurgery. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008;17(12):3577-3587.
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