Moreover, a clinical trial illustrated the favorable effect of flaxseed on sex hormones, only in overweight and obese women (20). Although the lignan contents of flaxseed could regulate the sex hormones and consequently influence the incidence of related disease, the exact effect of flaxseed supplementation on sex hormones was not clear. We aimed to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating effects of flaxseed supplementation on sex hormone profile. Inconsistent data suggest that flaxseed supplementation may have a role in sex hormones. Also, lowering your zinc and vitamin D intake will slow down your T-hormone production and decrease your testosterone levels. Fast food with high amounts of trans fats may not only reduce your testosterone levels, it may have other harmful effects. Consumption of flaxseed and any foods that destroy testosterone will decrease T levels in males . In recent years, several studies have found that licorice may also influence hormone levels, potentially leading to a decline in testosterone over time. We believe that more clinical studies are needed to present a complete list of flaxseed effects. Future studies may challenge what we now believe about the therapeutic effects of flaxseed or confirm the mentioned findings. Prevention of calcium channels shows antimotility and antisecretory activity which can cause antidiarrheal effects of flaxseed. As a result of reduction in the circulating levels of estrogen, menopausal women are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease (CVD). It has been exhibited that dietary phytoestrogens prohibit and treat breast cancer and also result in both weak estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities (47). It has been demonstrated that strong antiproliferative, anti-oxidant, antiestrogenic, and/or anti-angiogenic activities of SDG prevent some malignant tumors such as breast, lung, and colon cancer. Also, reduced liver disease risk factors in hypercholesterolemia are suggested as flaxseed lignan preventive properties. Another study indicated SDG lignans histological protective effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rabbits. The activities of chemoprotection, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobe along with augmentation of bowel movement and releasing bile acid are the advantages of flaxseed consumption as a nutritional supplement. Anaya et al. stated that antinutritional factors and low protein digestibility reduce the nutritional value of flaxseed (40). Flaxseed comprises a great deal of potassium 5600–9200 mg/kg and high consumption of potassium reduces the risk of blood platelet aggregation, free radicals in the blood, and stroke. The effects of fibers on various parts of the body are summarized in Figure 3 (12). The effects of SDG on different parts of the body are summarized in Figure 2 (11). Ferulic acid (10.9 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (7.5 mg/g), gallic acid (2.8 mg/g) are the most common phenolic acids in defatted flaxseed. Mainly secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) (294–700 mg/100 g), matairesinol (0.55 mg/100 g), lariciresinol (3.04 mg/100 g) and pinoresinol (3.32mg/100 g) construct flaxseed lignans. The quantity of lignans in flax is up to 800 times greater than other plants. All the literature found in databases was included but there was a preference towards recent studies. For writing this manuscript, we made a list of relevant keywords and phrases, and then we started searching studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science dases. Due to a 12% growth in the annual rate of the flaxseed global marketing, it can be predicted that its worth may be increased to US$ 1.95 million (3). She elected to pursue flaxseed supplementation independently and this report chronicles her experience in the clinical care setting Subsequent research by Morton and colleagues (1997) found that high lignan diets may be protective against prostate cancer, another disorder which is linked to high androgen levels. Previous research suggests that consumption of high lignan foods may cause binding of testosterone in the enterohepatic circulation and subsequent excretion (Adlercreutz et al, 1987). The patient also reported a decrease in hirsutism at the completion of the study period. However, according to subgroup analyses flaxseed supplementation increased SHBG in subjects with ≤50 years old and with PCOS, and TT in men. The included studies involved participants with diverse health status. Studies about the effect of flaxseed supplementation on FSH, FAI, and DHEAS were very low. Γ- tocopherol not only acts as an anti-oxidant but also increases sodium expulsion in urine, which results in a decrease in blood pressure, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s risks (13). Flaxseed is commonly used for its antidiabetic and anticancer activities and also it is beneficial for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, urological, and reproductive disorders, and because of these beneficial effects, it is recognized as a medical plant. A significant decrease in androgen levels was observed, with a 70% decrease in total serum testosterone, an 89% decrease in free serum testosterone, and a 65% decrease in the % free testosterone observed. Cumulative and monthly comparison reports (compared against roughly 40 other CLIA-laboratories) indicated that the Duke laboratory had standard deviation indexes (SDI) which were -.31 for insulin and -.19 for testosterone in the ranges corresponding to the case study’s levels, indicating excellent interlaboratory accuracy. Given that flaxseed is usually not consumed alone but is mixed into various foods, we also provided the patient with a list of foods recommended by previous study participants, such as mixing it into applesauce, yogurt, juices, grits, oatmeal or sprinkling it onto cereal. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms can be reduced by consuming flaxseed . However, pregnant women may want to avoid flaxseed as it can mess with an already delicate hormonal balance. At low estrogen levels, they can serve as a replacement for some estrogen receptors, making up for the lack. Obviously, body chemistry between the two sexes differs, so not everything is the same. In fact, flaxseeds may actually have the opposite effect, lowering the risk for the problems listed above.
