Flaxseeds cut cancer risk by 40%

New research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that eating flaxseeds could cut the risk of dying from breast cancer by forty per cent.

Flaxseeds contain lignans – which scientists claim are the most important type of phytoestrogens. German researchers found these compounds can kill cancer cells and also prevent secondary tumours developing.

In their research, the scientists analysed blood samples of over 1000 women diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer over a three year period.

Study author Professor Jenny Chang-Claude said: “We now have the first clear evidence showing that lignans lower not only the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer, but also the mortality risk.”