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 symptoms including but not limited to:
- skin and coat issues
- mammary or prostate gland issues
- urinary issues
- weight gain
For any pet, whether desexed or not, plant compounds which are extremely useful for hormonal balance and immune health, are missing from their daily diet. This group of compounds are 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
From our website:
“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. Supporting normal hormonal balance supports overall health including the metabolism, musculoskeletal system and cognitive functioning.
Immune System Health
Lignans support the immune system of your pet, providing support with seasonal issues, along with antioxidant support which helps the coat and skin.
Cardiovascular Health
Lignans do things that helps maintain the health of various aspects of your dog or cat’s cardiovascular system. A happy heart supports a vibrant, healthy pet.
Research is under way
While animal research is still ongoing, flaxseed lignans may have many more benefits.
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 the delivery system first created for BioVITES, is a prebiotic, lignan-rich blend of organic defatted flax, sunflower and sesame seed powder, 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.