: any of a class of propyl phenolic dimers including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity
Examples of lignan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
May Help Reduce Cancer Risk Cucumbers contain a natural substance called lignans—like flax and sesame seeds, kale, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, apricots, and other plant foods.
—
Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 18 Nov. 2023
Tiwa Savage’s Guide to Treating Hyperpigmentation and Day-to-Night Makeup
One of the richest sources of lignans, a potent phytoestrogen, is flaxseed, which can easily be sprinkled into smoothies, soups or on top of cereal and yogurt.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
These include:2 Antioxidants Curcumin Fiber Fish oil Magnesium Polyphenols in green and black tea Selenium Sesame lignans Vitamin D Vitamin E Zinc Inflammatory conditions related to carrying excess weight can often be managed with weight loss.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2023
Although scientists are still working to figure out how valerian root actually works in the body, research suggests that some benefits may be due to the mechanism behind plant compounds like lignans, flavonoids and valepotriates (compounds that give off the sedation feeling).
—Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Eating flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the first phase of your cycle is thought to boost estrogen production as your body metabolizes lignan.
—Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2019
One large study found that a higher lignan intake was associated with less decline in cognitive function, memory and processing.
—Dr. Mehmet Oz, Good Housekeeping, 28 Sep. 2017
Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 18 Nov. 2023
Tiwa Savage’s Guide to Treating Hyperpigmentation and Day-to-Night Makeup
One of the richest sources of lignans, a potent phytoestrogen, is flaxseed, which can easily be sprinkled into smoothies, soups or on top of cereal and yogurt.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
These include:2 Antioxidants Curcumin Fiber Fish oil Magnesium Polyphenols in green and black tea Selenium Sesame lignans Vitamin D Vitamin E Zinc Inflammatory conditions related to carrying excess weight can often be managed with weight loss.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2023
Although scientists are still working to figure out how valerian root actually works in the body, research suggests that some benefits may be due to the mechanism behind plant compounds like lignans, flavonoids and valepotriates (compounds that give off the sedation feeling).
—Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Eating flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the first phase of your cycle is thought to boost estrogen production as your body metabolizes lignan.
—Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2019
One large study found that a higher lignan intake was associated with less decline in cognitive function, memory and processing.
—Dr. Mehmet Oz, Good Housekeeping, 28 Sep. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lignan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lignan
Cite this Entry
“Lignan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignan. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lignan
noun
lig·nan
ˈlig-ˌnan 
: any of a class of polyphenolic compounds including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity
In the process of digestion, bacteria convert lignans into estrogen-like substances …—Wellness Letter
Wellness LetterThe major types of phytoestrogens are thought to be isoflavones, found in soy protein, and lignans, found in flaxseeds, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables.—Consumer Reports
Consumer ReportsLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share