Lignans: How They Can Help Improve Our Diets.
By Christeen Karimi
Lignans are fiber-associated compounds found in the cells of plants. They are readily present in the human diet and are found in a wide variety of plant foods, including seeds (flax, pumpkin, sunflower, poppy, sesame), whole grains (rye, oats, barley), bran (wheat, oat, rye), beans, fruit (particularly berries), and vegetables. Lignans are also found in drinks such as tea, coffee, or wine. Among edible plants, the most concentrated lignan sources are sesame and flax seeds. The latter contains up to 800 times more lignans than any other food source.
Lignan-rich foods support the digestive system and are part of an overall healthy diet. They can not only prevent nutrient deficiencies but also protect against disease by building a strong immune system. They also promote the body’s proper growth and development. Lignans are rich in antioxidants that aid in neutralizing harmful compounds known as free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when the body breaks down food or when one is exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. Lignans help prevent cell damage, that can be caused by free radicals, as well as certain chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Apart from being an antioxidant, lignans are said to also hold other properties such as being anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor. One such lignan is the 7-Hydroxymatairesinol (7-HMR), a lignan abundant in various concentrations in plant-based foods. It has been shown, in research, to decrease the volume of induced tumors, stabilize established tumors, as well as preventing the development of new tumors.
7-HMR is found in the Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) tree. Traditionally the Norwegian spruce shoot tips have been used in Austrian medicine internally (as syrup or tea) and externally (like baths, for inhalation, as ointments, as resin application) for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, skin, loco-motor system, gastrointestinal tract, and infections.
Modern-day use of the 7-HMR is in the form of the Fountain of Life (FOL), a natural nutritional extract from the Norwegian spruce tree. The flax seed — which has the highest known lignan content — contains 300mg of lignans per 100 ml. Comparatively, Fountain of Life contains over 7,200 mg of lignans per 100 ml. In essence, FOL provides nearly 24 times more lignan benefits to the body than flax seeds would provide.
Fountain of Life is also considered a functional food. Functional foods are those that offer health benefits beyond their nutritional value. In addition to nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits and veggies, the functional food category, also includes foods fortified with vitamins, minerals, pro-biotics, and fiber.
The Fountain of Life is taken orally in drop format on a daily basis. The amounts consumed depend on your weight and health. One can ingest anywhere from 5 to 30 drops per day depending on intake and personal needs. A bottle of 30ml (1oz) retails for Kes. 8,500/- (USD 85) and can last anywhere from 2–3months.
However, it is to be noted that the Fountain of Life is not a miracle cure for illnesses, and lifestyle diseases. What it does is give your body a fighting chance to help it ward off ailments, & infections. It does this by preserving, protecting your body, and making any underlying conditions that you may have manageable. It drastically helps improve your quality of life as it has been formulated to give you a chance at a healthier life.
Contact us today to learn more about the Fountain of Life, and also to get yourself this lignan rich natural nutritional supplement to boost your health. Email: karimiwellness@gmail.com for further details.
— — About the Author — —
Christeen Karimi is the CEO and founder of Karimi Wellness and an independent partner at Opulence Global. At Karimi Wellness we exist to help promote mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Our aim is to provide holistic wellness solutions in the form of products and services. Our flagship product is the Fountain of Life, a natural antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory nutritional functional food supplement.