Flax Lignans may also function as Antioxidants

More interesting information from the American Cancer Society:

“Recently, attention has also focused on the flaxseed itself, which is a rich source of lignans, compounds that can act as anti-estrogens or as weak estrogens. It is thought that lignans may play a role in preventing estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer and other types of cancer. Lignans may also function as antioxidants and, though mechanisms that are not yet fully understood, may slow cell growth. When flaxseeds are consumed, the lignans are activated by bacteria in the intestine.”

American Cancer Society:  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Flaxseed.asp