Lignans protect the prostate gland

Lignans protect the prostate gland from malicious tumors and the consequent impotence that every man dreads.

Prostate gland cancer is the most common serious malignant tumour of men; one in eight currently will suffer from it. The Lancet Commission predicts the number will double in the next twenty years.

The reasons are complex; part of it is simply that we are living longer. Whilst young men can and do get prostate cancer it is primarily a disease of the elderly.

What we eat has a profound role to play in the prevention of the disease. Rates of prostate cancer soar when Asians move to Europe and America; clearly lifestyle is involved.

Prevention is better than a cure

The Lancet Commission report^[2] should be read and digested by every man; they are "planning for the surge in cases." Yet it is depressing in that it is all about screening and treatment; to stop the already shocking rates from doubling.

The time-tested adage of prevention being better than a cure it would seem is largely ignored.

What is known is that the progress of prostate cancer is highly variable; many men die with it rather than from the disease. In others it proliferates rapidly and may kill within months.

Aptosis is the term given to the normal death of all cells. Malignant tumours have developed mechanisms that evade this process; they proliferate and spread.

Researchers have found that lignans increase this process of aptosis in prostate cancer cells; they are less likely to proliferate and metastasize.

Intestinal bacteria

The mechanism whereby these lignans are thought to function is by the action of intestinal bacteria that produce compounds like enterolactone; these are absorbed into the blood stream and can reach tumour cells throughout the body.

The process is entirely dependent on a normal, diverse array of intestinal bacteria^[4]. Yet it is known that the microbiome has been extremely negatively affected by the chemicals added to typical grocery store food; and the proliferation of antibiotics, both prescribed and in animal foods.

Asian people typically eat fermented foods like kimchi and natto; they are rich in the friendly flora that support both the numbers and diversity of the bacteria in the gut. When emigrating to the West they are less likely to consume these foods.

Homemade hummus without all the added preservatives and flavour enhancers is particularly rich in lignans.

Lignans protect the prostate gland.

• Authentic hummus recipe
  

Numerous studies show that lignans alone in the diet do not correlate with protection from prostate cancer; particularly at low levels eaten sporadically. It would appear that a healthy microbiome is also required.

This kefir smoothie^[3] may provide the answer. The probiotic supplemented with a mixture of diverse nuts and seeds, rich in lignans is a particularly pleasant breakfast; easy and quick to prepare, it provides satiety.

• How to make kefir
  

Whole grains

True whole grains have become very difficult to purchase; millers typically extract the bran where the lignans are located. The exceptions are corn on the cob and unpolished rice.

To obtain the full complement of lignans in wheat, corn and rye one must have access to a mill that does not separate the three streams; the bran, germ and endosperm. Because of the oils, the flour must be freshly-ground; it has a shelf life.

• 100 percent real flour
  

Grinding the flour and mixing takes no more than five minutes; better still is the addition of a sourdough starter. Whilst no live bacteria would reach the intestine after baking, their metabolites certain pass on to the gut.

Lignans protect the prostate gland.

Stone-ground grits

Likewise true unrefined grits is almost impossible to find. It too has a shelf life so millers extract the oils together with the lignan-containing bran; they go to feed the pigs.

Once again access to a mill that does not separate the three streams is the only way to obtain true wholegrain cornmeal; and the lignans that protect the prostate gland.

Large amounts of lignans

What appears to be clear is that small amounts of lignans may not help to reduce the prevalence of prostate cancer; yes, they may help the aggressiveness of the tumour.

Researchers are recommending large scale supplementation, far more than the average person on typical grocery store food would eat.

Breakfast like a king

A solid breakfast rich in a probiotic, whole grains and freshly-ground seeds makes a solid start to the day providing ample lignans to protect the prostate gland.

The resistant starch and fibre slow gastric emptying; they reduce the glycemic surge from the sugars in the carb. They also provide satiety so there is no urge to eat at 11 o'clock; it deals with the hunger pangs that haunt those calorie-counting. 

• Resistant starch in whole grains
• Foods for a healthy pancreas
  

Unseen is the tomato in Eggs Hilton; the lycopene gives added prostate protection. Added fat from olive oil increases the absorption of the phytonutrients.

Scientists have established that it is these lycopenes in tomatoes that give Italian men such protection from prostate cancer^[5].

Lunch like a prince

The chickpeas and sesame paste in hummus are both rich sources of lignans; as is true wholegrain bread.

• Real bread movement
• Sesame benefits
  

Dine like a pauper

The golden rule in the Blue Zones where longevity is so prevalent is to leave the table slightly hungary. That is particularly true at supper; a small meal is the best management of indigestion and heartburn.

This photo was taken some years ago before I learned that one slice of real bread is enough. All that fibre means that two will take a long time to digest properly.

Broccoli and avocado are both rich in lignans.

• Broccoli soup
  

Lignans help protect the prostate gland

Lignans protect the prostate gland by providing a rich source of differing foods enabling the friendly flora in the colon to synthesise enterolactone.

We either make time to prepare foods that protect our wellness or spend a lot more consulting doctors and pharmacists; take your pick.

As for me and my family we choose to enjoy lignan-rich food. My last PSA was 0.9; off the scale.

• Lignans protect the prostate gland
  

Is flax-seed good or bad for prostate cancer?

I do hope you can now answer this question authoritatively, based on the research. The lignans in flax seeds are indeed good protection against prostate cancer; and a whole lot of other conditions. They will also mean a lot less stressing and straining on the loo; that too is a blessing not to be underestimated.

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