On flax seed...
Now this is just
MY thing...no one else in the world may agree and, who knows, I may change my mind sometime in the future. But for now, based on the info I have...
One of the reasons I like to avoid some items is the higher level of
phyto-estrogens/isoflovones/
genistein (in legumes, flax, etc.) and xeno-estrogens (not sure I spelled that correctly but they are the "synthetic" estrogens that are found in plastics - including vinyl siding - and other chemical items in our environment that we are exposed to daily in much higher levels than at any other time in history.)
Since we are so over-exposed to estrogens at this time in history due to so many synthetics that we live with and don't even realize, I try to minimize my - and my animals - exposure to more estrogens.
Soy, legumes in general-including clover, flax...all are high in phyto-estrogens.
Studies have shown that one of the reasons we have so many more "female issues" and male reproductive issues at this time in history than in prior times is estrogen-overload. Not only reproductive issues, but the hormone balance in general can be in a state of havoc also.
It also affects the r
eproductive health in our animals as well as their meat, eggs, and milk have higher levels of the hormones which we then ingest. This even includes "supressing" the immune system, endocrine issues...and it goes on and on.
Legume hay (soy, alfalfa, clover, etc.) also has this potential so when I get hay,
I specify GRASS HAY rather than legume hay.
Here are a few things that may be interesting to skim through:
This one mentions the affects on animals. This particular list is referring to the isoflovones, genistein (mostly in soy) but other sources as well:
http://www.westonaprice.org/soy-ale...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=
General estrogen article
http://www.westonaprice.org/womens-...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=
Effects on men:
http://www.westonaprice.org/soy-ale...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=
Endocrine disruption and man-made chemicals:
http://www.westonaprice.org/environ...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=
It goes on and on.......
Here is a whole list of articles regarding estrogens - both plant and synthetic. You can choose which title interests you:
http://www.westonaprice.org/search/search?q=estrogen