Phyto Estrogens You Should Eat

Estrogen’s Role in the Female Body

Estrogen is a hormone that is produced in our bodies and is critical to the function of our
sex organs. Produced within the ovaries of child bearing women, it controls the uterine lining growth and interacts with progesterone to make ovulation possible. During pregnancy it stimulates the maturation of the fetus, the growth of the placenta and the change in the breasts.
THE DOWN SIDE OF ESTROGEN
Most women at one time or another will suffer from: headaches before a period, breast tenderness, urinary stress incontinence, mood swings and hot flashes, inability to properly absorb calcium can all be attributed to a drop in estrogen.
 As one ages, estrogen diminishes and often times Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication  is initiated by the doctor.
INTRODUCING PHYTO ESTROGENS
The conversation is shifting and research is showing that there is a natural HRT called Phyto Estrogens. Phyto-estrogens are naturally occurring chemicals and are commonly known as iso-flavones, flavones, coumestans and ligans. Phtyo-estrogens have a chemical structure that is similar to that of “human estrogen” producing the same estrongenic and anti-estrogenic effect that the body would other wise produce at it’s own normal level of estrogen.
WHO SHOULD TAKE PHYTO ESTROGENS?
Women of all ages should be adding a variety of fruits, vegetables and nuts into their daily intake of food. It has been shown that women who eat flaxseed, soy or algae during peri-menopause have and easier time of going through menopause and many symptoms are greatly reduced!
WHERE CAN YOU BUY PHYTO ESTROGENS?
Look no further than your garden or local grocer! Studies were performed on 120 foods including: nuts, herbs and beverages. Researchers found that the phyto-estrogens are found in abundance in both Flaxseed and Soy. While other foods such as: vegetables, fruits and nuts contain lesser amounts, however, they are an equally important part of our daily dietary intake.
OTHER BENEFITS OF EATING PHYTO ESTROGENS
Studies have shown that a dietary increase in phyto estrogens leads to reduce incidence of breast and prostrate cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms. Women are turning to phyto estrogens in place of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Doctors are also noticing reduced cholesterol serum levels in patients who add more phtyo estrogens to their meals.
ADDITIONAL STUDIES FOR WOMEN
Further research performed on a global level are showing that phyto estrogens taken along with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has a positive impact on producing a vital pregnancy. Each pregnancy is unique and pursuit of further information should be discussed between the patient and the doctor.
FOODS THAT COULD LOWER ESTROGEN:  Berries, Broccoli, Rutabaga, Bok Choy, Mushrooms.  HERB SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID: Soy, Palmetto, Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Mexican Yam. AVOID ALCOHOL.
WHICH PHYTO ESTROGEN IS BEST FOR ME?                                                           
A variety of foods listed below allows individuals to accomodate their own tastes and improve their health by choosing from foods that have higher amounts of phyto estrogens.
  • Flax Seed
  • Soy/Soy Nuts
  • Tofu
  • Soy Yogurt
  • Sesame Seed
  • Flax Bread
  • Multigrain Bread
  • Rye Bread
  • Soy milk
  • Algae
  • Miso Soup
  • Hummus
  • Garlic
  • Mung Bean Sprouts
  • Alfalfa Sprouts
  • Dried Dates/Prunes/Apricots
  • Sunflower Seed
  • Pistacchio
  • Hazelnuts
  • Walnuts
  • Cashew
  • Chestnuts                                                                                                                       
  • Olive Oil & Olives
  • Almonds
  • Winter Squash
  • Green Bean
  • Collards
  • Cabbage
  • Lentils
  • Peanuts
  • Black Bean
  • Onion
  • Corn
  • Peaches
  • Watermelon                                                                                                       
  • Coffee
  • Milk
  • Red and White Wine
  • Green and Black Tea
  • Beer
REFERENCES

High levels of phyto estrogens can interfere with proliferation. Research: Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Rockstock, Germany http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12820351                                                                The Risk of high amounts of phyto estrogen may reduce maintenance of pregnancy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19165661

Increased rates of phyto estrogens used to assist in IVF pregnancies  Research: Obstetrics and Gynecology Rome, Italy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15589851

Adding Phyto Estrogens to IVF may improve chances of vital pregnancy. Research: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women’s Health Care Center, Assuit University, Egypt http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18413068

Phyto estrogen taken over time reduces risk of breast cancer. Research: University of Sydney, Australia http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17176212