I’ve heard flaxseed has anticancer properties, is this true?

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, has been studied as a potential cancer-fighting food. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich sources of the essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which your body used to make omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Flaxseed is a good source of lignans, compounds that have both an antioxidant and weak estrogen effect. When a weak estrogen-like substance takes the place of your body's natural estrogen in a breast cell's estrogen receptor (ER), the substance can act as a relative anti-estrogen by blocking the receptor site. However, because of this reason recommendations for women who have ER-positive breast cancer are to consume flaxseed in moderation. There has been a limited amount study on the interaction of flaxseed with breast cancer drugs such as tamoxifen (TAM). If you are consuming flaxseed the recommendations are to do so in moderate amounts.

Flaxseed has other benefits to your health. The oil in flaxseed, alpha-linoleic acid, is an omega-3 essential fatty acid which has shown to be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels. Flaxseed is also high in fiber which can help reduce constipation and improve bowel health. If you choose to eat it, start with a small amount and make sure you drink plenty of water. There are no recommendations about the amount of flaxseed you should eat each day; however, one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal daily would provide a significant amount of nutrients.