Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are hormone-like plant compounds which act like estrogens in the body. They are weaker than our own estrogen and compete for the same estrogen receptors in our body. Because of this, they have the ability to decrease symptoms of estrogen excess by stopping the cell proliferation activity of estrogen in the breasts.
Phytoestrogens can be divided in several groups: isoflavones, flavones, coumestans and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soya products (soy beans and tofu). Lignan are foods such as flax seeds. They exist in different levels in different foods.
Phytoestrogens are great anti-oxidants. Their health benefits include reduction in the risk of: prostrate and breast cancer, osteoporosis (bone loss), cardiovascular disease, balancing hormones and menopausal symptoms. They have a chemical structure similar to the hormone estradiol. High quantities of Phytoestrogens present some risk – the same as high levels of regular estrogen, including gynecomastia (the development of breast tissue in men), reduced levels of androgens in men, infertility, early bone maturity and enlargement of estrogen receptors in certain tissues.
Some rich sources of Phytoestrogens include:
• Flax seeds
• Soy beans
• Tofu
• Sesame seeds
• Flax breads
• Soya milk
• Garlic
• Hummus
• Mung bean sprouts
• Dried apricots
• Alfafa sprouts
• Soy yogurt
It’s a good thing to learn about the rich sources of phytoestrogens, but could have been more useful if given the amount to be consumed so that any risks on health will be prevented.