Correlation btw Breast Cancer and Flaxseed

According to Jade Beutler, flaxseed is one of the most powerful phytonutrients (phytonutrient: a fruit, vegetable or grain that possesses potent cancer fighting and protective compounds). Flaxseed contains a phytonutrient called lignan which once ingested is converted to compounds that compete with estrogen for binding sites on estrogen receptors. A flushing results of excess estrogen (excess estrogen is linked to high incidence of color and breast cancer) from the body. Lignans have anti-tumor and estrogen-mimicking capabilities and have also been found to be powerful antioxidants and to possess anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal components.

Notes on buying flaxseed: you should buy flaxseed oil in the refrigerated section and look for 'lignan rich' oil. Check for BOTH the "pressing date" and the "best before" date and make sure that the time span between the two does not exceed 4 months. (Jade Beutler, "The Role of Flaxseed Oil in Preventing Breast Cancer," Well Being Journal Vol. 18, No. 6 (2009): 27.