The silent guardian: How a mighty Lignan in flaxseed fights disease

• Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) is an inactive plant lignan consumed in foods. Its health benefits are unlocked when gut microbes metabolize it into the biologically active mammalian lignans, enterodiol and enterolactone.
• It functions as a phytoestrogen to support hormonal balance. The active metabolites have a structure similar to estrogen, allowing them to bind to estrogen receptors. This can block more potent human estrogen from binding, potentially preventing the proliferation of hormone-sensitive cancer cells.
• It offers multiple protective mechanisms beyond hormones. In addition to its anti-estrogenic effects, SECO’s metabolites are potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and possess anti-angiogenic properties that can inhibit the blood vessel growth tumors need to survive.
• Flaxseed is SECO’s most potent dietary source. While lignans are found in various seeds and grains, flaxseed contains hundreds of times more SECO than any other known food, making it the most effective way to consume it.
• The compound highlights the connection between diet, the gut microbiome and human health. Experts recommend obtaining SECO through whole flaxseed rather than supplements to benefit from the synergy of flaxseed’s fiber, omega-3s and other nutrients.

In the quest for optimal health, the spotlight often falls on the latest superfood or supplement. Yet, some of the most potent compounds are hidden in plain sight, woven into the very fabric of human diets for millennia. Secoisolariciresinol (SECO), a mouthful of a molecule found abundantly in flaxseed, is one such compound. This unassuming plant lignan is emerging as a critical player in cancer prevention, hormonal balance and overall wellness, offering a powerful example of food’s medicinal potential.

Secoisolariciresinol: History, dietary sources and health benefits

SECO is a type of lignan, a class of polyphenolic compounds naturally present in many plants. Polyphenols act as antioxidants and defense molecules for plants. Chemically, SECO is a phytoestrogen precursor, meaning it is not biologically active in its consumed form. Its true power is unlocked only after it undergoes a remarkable transformation within the human body, a process mediated by the gut microbiome.

The story of SECO is a story of microbial synergy. When foods rich in this lignan are consumed, they travel to the colon intact. There, beneficial gut bacteria get to work, metabolizing SECO in a two-step process. First, it is converted into enterodiol, a metabolite. Enterodiol is then further oxidized into another compound called enterolactone. These metabolites are the biologically active mammalian lignans that confer many health benefits.

While the consumption of lignan-rich foods dates back to ancient civilizations, the scientific identification and understanding of these compounds is a relatively recent development. The term “lignan” itself was coined in the 1930s. The specific discovery and naming of SECO emerged from phytochemical research conducted in the mid-20th century as scientists sought to categorize the myriad compounds in plants. SECO’s significance, however, skyrocketed in the 1980s and 1990s with the work of researchers like Dr. Herman Adlercreutz, who pioneered the understanding of phytoestrogens and their role in hormone-dependent diseases, linking the high-lignan diet of certain populations to lower cancer rates.

Health benefits of SECO

The health benefits of SECO are executed through its metabolites, enterodiol and enterolactone. Their primary mechanism involves their structural similarity to human estrogen and synthetic estrogens like diethylstilbestrol. Enterodiol and enterolactone bind to estrogen receptors in the body and can exhibit both weak estrogenic and strong anti-estrogenic effects. By occupying these receptors, SECO metabolites can block the more potent human estrogen from binding, which may help prevent the proliferation of hormone-sensitive cancer cells, particularly in the breast and prostate.

Furthermore, these metabolites are potent antioxidants, scavenging harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cellular damage linked to chronic inflammation, heart disease and aging. They also possess anti-angiogenic properties, meaning they can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.

While lignans are present in a variety of seeds, whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, flaxseed is the undisputed champion. Flaxseed contains hundreds of times more SECO than any other known dietary source. Other significant sources include sesame seeds, rye and barley grains, and certain berries. The compound itself is not isolated in a way that gives it a specific taste, color or shape; SECO is an integral, invisible component of the whole food. It is often abbreviated as SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), which is its common glycosylated form in plants.

Supplementation and consumption

SECO is available as a supplement, often extracted from flaxseed and marketed for its phytoestrogen benefits. However, most nutrition experts recommend obtaining it through whole food sources like ground flaxseed. This approach provides a synergistic package of nutrients, including fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which work together to enhance SECO’s benefits. While there is no official recommended daily intake, studies showing health benefits often use 25 to 50 grams (2 to 5 tablespoons) of flaxseed daily. Incorporating a few tablespoons of ground flaxseed into smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt is a simple and effective strategy.

The versatility of flaxseed makes boosting SECO intake simple. A morning smoothie blended with a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, a handful of berries and spinach is a potent lignan-packed start to the day. Flaxseed can be mixed into meatloaf or veggie burger patties as a binder, stirred into muffin or pancake batter, or used as a crunchy topping for salads and soups. The key is to use ground flaxseed, as whole seeds may pass through the digestive system undigested, preventing the release of SECO.

Why this matters today

In an era of escalating chronic disease rates and growing interest in functional foods, the science behind secoisolariciresinol is more relevant than ever. It exemplifies the profound connection between diet, the gut microbiome and human physiology. Research on SECO provides a scientific basis for traditional dietary wisdom, suggesting that a diet rich in diverse plant fibers is not merely about digestion but is fundamental to regulating hormones and protecting against cancer. It reinforces the concept that food can be preventive medicine.

The narrative of SECO is a compelling testament to nature’s pharmacy. This humble lignan, activated by the body’s own microbial residents, stands as a silent guardian against some of modernity’s most prevalent ailments. As research continues to unravel SECO’s full potential, it solidifies the simple, powerful advice: Sometimes, the smallest seeds hold the greatest promise for health.

This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician for personalized advice about your specific health situation or concern.

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Watch the video below to learn how flax oil can help with arthritis, heart infarction, cancer and other diseases.

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