Tiny seeds of the flax plant, high in fiber and omega-3s, produce big drops in blood pressure and may prevent heart attacks and stroke, according to new research.

In the study, people with clogged leg arteries taking flaxseed supplements reduced their top blood pressure (systolic) reading by 10 points and the bottom (diastolic) by seven after six months. This change is the largest decrease in blood pressure ever shown by a dietary intervention, says Dr. Delfin Rodriquez of Cuba who presented the results at the American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions.

The promising findings suggest that people with hypertension turn to the safe and inexpensive dietary supplement before starting drug therapy.

Flaxseed Slashes Blood Pressure The Saturday Evening Post

Dorothy,

Pocatello, Idaho

Don’t give up soy and flax yet! While it’s true that estrogen can increase cancer risk—especially when abnormal cells have “docking stations” (called receptors) for the powerful hormone—the estrogen-like compounds in soy and flax may actually provide health benefits. Post advisor Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, explains:

“Soybeans and flaxseed contain phytoestrogens, which react with the same receptors as estrogen from ovarian or fat tissue. Phytoestrogens, which are sometimes called ‘plant hormones,’ may have estrogen-like effects. However, they trigger a far weaker response than do the estrogens produced by the body. In fact, consuming soy and flax may prevent stronger-acting estrogens from binding to the receptor sites and produce an overall antiestrogenic effect, similar to the way tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug, works.

“The potential benefit has caused many to question whether the high soy consumption in Asian populations contributes to the low breast cancer rates in those countries. Although studies have not been conclusive, some of the data suggest increasing soy intake during adolescence or early adulthood may decrease cancer risk. Alternatively, studies do not show a direct correlation between high soy consumption and the risk of breast cancer.

“While I wouldn’t recommend loading up on large amounts of flax, tofu, soy milk, and other soy products, I don’t think it’s necessary to completely avoid them. Stay away from phytoestrogen supplements, though. They may increase your consumption too much. Instead, focus on staying lean and physically active to reduce body fat, which is a major source of estrogens. And of course, schedule regular checkups with your physician to discuss treatment options and answer any questions that may arise.”

Of the foods that Americans eat, soy and flax have the highest content of phytoestrogens. Other sources (with lesser amounts) include: sesame seeds, wheat, berries, oats, barley, dried beans, lentils, yams, rice, alfalfa, mung beans, apples, carrots, pomegranates, and wheat germ.

Soy, Flax, and Breast Cancer The Saturday Evening Post