Lignans

Flaxseed Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It Properly IMPORTANT: Flaxseed oil is a valuable food, but it is not suitable for everyone and it cannot be used in just any way. It must never be fried or cooked at high temperatures, because it oxidizes and becomes harmful. People taking anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol or warfarin) or any blood-thinning medication should talk to their doctor first, since omega-3 can affect blood clotting. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, endometriosis), should seek medical advice because of the phytoestrogenic lignans. Those with clotting disorders, anyone scheduled for surgery, or people with bowel problems (obstruction, acute diverticulitis) should be cautious. Flaxseed oil is not a substitute for medical treatment and it is not a cure-all — it is a support within a balanced diet. ...

Flaxseeds: Benefits, Uses and How to Consume Them Correctly IMPORTANT: Flaxseeds are generally safe for most people when eaten as food in reasonable amounts. However, they contain very active fibers and small quantities of cyanogenic compounds in their raw state, which is why they are best ground and consumed with plenty of water. People with intestinal obstruction, digestive strictures, acute diverticulitis or severe irritable bowel syndrome should introduce them gradually and cautiously. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people taking blood thinners, diabetes, blood pressure or hormone medications (including treatments for hormone-dependent cancers) should consult their doctor before consuming large amounts, because flax contains phytoestrogens (lignans) and may affect the absorption of certain drugs. Always drink plenty of water when consuming ground flax, and never use it as a substitute for prescribed medical treatment. ...