Feb 16 2008
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.
