Lignan

The lignans are a group of chemical compounds found in plants, particularly in flax seed. Lignans are one of the major classes of phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like chemicals and also act as antioxidants.

Several studies have shown that supplementation with SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, a lignan compound) may help to reduce serum levels of low-density lipoproteins (the "bad" kind of cholesterol) and lower blood pressure. This substance has also shown promise in preventing the development of diabetes and atheriosclerosis.

Flax seed and sesame seed are the best dietary sources of lignans, but lignans can also be found in grains, such as wheat, oats, rye and barley. However, lignan compounds are also found in some vegetables also such as broccoli, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, most beans and some kinds of berries.