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Colon Cancer
Read on for detailed information about how various oils may help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Flaxseed
Although there are no human studies and limited animal studies exploring the relationship between flaxseeds and colon cancer, the fiber and lignan constituents of flaxseeds seem to provide important health benefits. Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of colon cancer is lower in countries where dietary fiber intake is high. Owing to their antioxidant properties, the lignans may also play a role in colon cancer protection through their potential to prevent oxidative damage to DNA (genetic material) in intestinal cells (1).

In experimental studies, animals that consumed flaxseeds were found to have a reduction in the size and number of newly developed colon tumors (2) as well as increased activity of beta-glucoronidase, an enzyme related to reduced colorectal cancer risk (3). An in vitro (test tube) study showed that exposing cells to enterodiol and enterolactone resulted in a reduction of cancer cell growth of up to 80% (4); the concentrations of enterodiol and enterolactone used in this study were similar to those that could be achieved by someone consuming 50 grams of flaxseed per day.

The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as curative or prescriptive advice.

Bibliography
1. Adlercreutz H. Does fiber-rich food containing animal lignan precursors protect against both colon and breast cancer? An extension of the "fiber hypothesis". Gastroenterology 1984;86(4):761-4.
2. Thompson, L. U. Experimental studies on lignans and cancer. Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab 12(4), 691-705. 98.
3. Jenab M, Thompson LU. The influence of flaxseed and lignans on colon carcinogenesis and beta-glucuronidase activity. Carcinogenesis. 1996 Jun; 17(6): 1343-8.
4. Sung MK, Lautens M, Thompson LU. Mammalian lignans inhibit the growth of estrogen-independent human colon tumor cells. Anticancer Res 1998;18(3A):1405-8.

 
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