We have all been encouraged to spay or neuter our pets. But the unintended consequence of these procedures is a hormonal imbalance which may cause disease and symptoms including:
- skin and coat issues (dryness, dandruff, itching, etc.)
- mammary or prostate gland issues (swelling, abnormal shape)
- incontinence
- weight gain
- various forms of cancer
For any pet, whether desexed or not, plant compounds that are extremely useful for hormonal balance and immune health, are missing from their daily diet. This group of compounds is known as lignans.
Here’s the scoop (so to speak) in everyday language, about what lignans are and why they are important for your pets.
Building Blocks of Plant Cells
“Lignans are naturally occurring phytoestrogens (plant-based hormones). They function as antioxidants and are converted into enterolactone and enterodiol (mammalian lignans). Their role is the control of normal hormonal balance and function, especially helpful when an animal has been spayed or neutered.”
Lignans, which are commonly found in flaxseed (richest source), sesame seed and other grains and berries, are a type of plant compound known as polyphenols. These compounds are a part of the building blocks of plant cell walls. Your pet’s gut converts the “plant lignans” into “mammalian lignans” which operate as antioxidants and provide hormonal balance (among other benefits.)
What are some of the clear health benefits of having lignans in our pet’s diet?
Hormone Balance
This is especially important for pets that have been spayed or neutered. Restoring a hormonal balance improves overall health including the metabolism, musculoskeletal system and cognitive functioning.
Immune System Health
Lignans support the immune system of your pet, providing help with allergies and disease prevention, along with antioxidant support which helps the coat and skin.
Cardiovascular Health
Lignans do 3 things that support your dog or cat’s cardiovascular system: reduce blood cholesterol, blood pressure and lower triglyceride levels. A happy heart supports a vibrant, healthy pet.
Links to Cancer Reduction
While research is still ongoing, due to hormone balancing, lignans may help prevent certain cancers, most notably mammary gland tumors. In animal models, flaxseed lignans have been shown to reduce tumour size, number, and degree of invasiveness of cancer cells.
Where to Find Lignans
Most commercial pet foods do not contain quality unrefined grains, fruits and vegetables and therefore do not provide a nutritionally balanced amount of lignans.
The foundation of each BiologicVET powder formula is a prebiotic, lignan-rich blend of organic defatted flax, sunflower and sesame seed fiber, which supports healthy immune and metabolic function. The free-form base ensures an improved delivery of nutrients, facilitating greater use of the active ingredients, both in BiologicVET products and in your preferred brand of raw, dry or moist pet food.
Being that most of our pets have been spayed or neutered, the hormonal support alone is an important reason to supply more lignans in our pet’s diet. The lignans in the delivery system of our pet nutritional products provide nutritional support that commercial pet food can’t…while helping your pet absorb nutrients that are in your chosen pet food, whether kibble, wet or raw.
