Flaxseed lignans for treating symptoms of menopause

October is national menopause awareness month and health foods specialists Linwoods are on a mission to raise awareness around the condition through education and nutrition. Their aim is to help ensure a more positive menopause experience for women through dietary and lifestyle choices. As part of the approach, Linwoods have partnered with nutritionist Rachel Graham (pictured) author of Nutrition for Menopause and an article for Total Health, Managing menopause through your diet.

Flaxseed - a rich source of plant lignans

Rachel Graham says, "As women, we are aware, that the transition to menopause can be a bumpy one and many women are quite rightly focused on the more overwhelming symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety and problems with memory and concentration. However, during this life stage, we find ourselves at an increased risk of chronic health conditions, that cannot be ignored".

Rachel goes onto explain that many of her nutritional recommendations for women in this life stage revolve around nourishment with key and important foods. As part of her approach, she recommends the richest source of lignans, flaxseed - due to the known benefits of lignans and phytoestrogens. In particular, Menoligna, which is a new and exciting product developed specifically for women in menopause. It contains sprouted flaxseed with 300mg of beneficial lignans per 30g serving (a dessert spoon). This makes it easy to add-in to your daily yoghurt, porridge or smoothies.

Top 4 benefits of flaxseed lignans

1. Flaxseed is the richest source of lignans in the plant world
2. Lignans are a component of the plant cell wall (they make up approximately 15% of the plant cell wall)
3. Lignans are also known as phytoestrogens because of their powerful anti-cancer capabilities
4. Lignans can bind to oestrogen receptors and interfere with the cancer-promoting effects of oestrogen on breast tissue.