If you never heard about dietary estrogen Let’s know about it
through article. This is known as Phytoestrogen (plant estrogens) and are
substances that occur naturally in plants. They have a similar chemical
structure to our own body's estrogen in other words a phytoestrogen is a
plant-derived xenoestrogen not generated within the endocrine system, but
consumed by eating phytoestrogenic plants. It is also called a "dietary
estrogen", it is a diverse group of naturally occurring nonsteroidal plant
compounds that, because of its structural similarity with estradiol
(17-β-estradiol), have the ability to cause estrogenic and/or
antiestrogeniceffects.Phytoestrogens are not essential nutrients because their
absence from the diet does not cause a disease, nor are they known to
participate in any normal biological function.
Its name comes from the Greek phyto ("plant") and estrogen, the hormone which
gives fertility to female mammals. The word "estrus" - Greek οίστρος - means
"sexual desire", and "gene" - Greek γόνο - is "to generate". It has been
hypothesized that plants use a phytoestrogen as part of their natural defence
against the overpopulation of herbivore animals by controlling female fertility.
In our body phytoestrogen are able to bind to the same receptors that our own
estrogen does. They do, however, behave differently to female estrogen and this
depends on the estrogen's environment (eg, whether a woman is in her
reproductive years and has higher estrogen, or is postmenopausal with lower
estrogen), how they bind to the estrogen receptor and particularly to which
estrogen receptor they bind to.
The similarities, at molecular level, of an estrogen and a phytoestrogen allow
them to mildly mimic and sometimes act as an antagonist of
estrogen.Phytoestrogens were first observed in 1926, but it was unknown if they
could have any effect in human or animal metabolism. In the 1940s and early
1950s, it was noticed that some pastures of subterranean clover and red clover (phytoestrogen-rich
plants) had adverse effects on the fecundity of grazing sheep.
Benefits of Phytoestrogen :
Alongside potential estrogenic action, foods that contain phytoestrogens also
offer other nutritional benefits including protein, fiber, vitamins and
minerals. Soy protein may also help to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
Some studies have shown potential benefits of phytoestrogens in regard to
cardiovascular risk, bone density and menopausal symptoms. About a third of
women who eat a diet that delivers amounts of phytoestrogens typical of an Asian
diet (particularly from soy foods) find that their menopausal symptoms improve.
This is because only about one third (and possibly up to a half) of all people
have the specific gut bacteria that converts soy isoflavone (phytoestrogen)
diadzien, to the more potent form, equol.
We are listing below potential benefits of Phytoestrogen.
1. Beneficial to premenopausaland postmenopausal women: Perimenopause is a
reproductive stage in a woman’s life usually starting in her late 40s. During
this time, her body stops making as many female hormones. One of these hormones
is estrogen. This transitions into a time when her periods have stopped for at
least 12 months, and she is now in menopause. In a premenopausal or
postmenopausal woman, when her own body's estrogen is low, phytoestrogens may
help ease the symptoms of low estrogen in about one in three women. This is
because about a third of the population has the specific gut bacteria that can
metabolize the isoflavones (a type of phytoestrogen) in soy to a more potent
phytoestrogen called equol. The amount of is flavones needed daily to achieve
therapeutic effects is contained in about 200g of tofu, or 100g of tempeh these
both foods are made from soyemilk. Perimenopause can bring on many symptoms like
hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased libido, and these may continue after
menopause
2. Phytoestrogen as a menstrual relief: Some women use phytoestrogens as natural
or herbal remedies for relieving menstrual issues or irregularities. Estrogen
levels can drop during certain times of the menstrual cycle, causing
uncomfortable symptoms.
If estrogen can be replaced (such as with phytoestrogens or through a pill),
these symptoms may be relieved. More research is needed about how to do this
safely
3. Phytoestrogen helps prevent osteoporosis in women: Many studies have shown
that phytoestrogens could help prevent bone loss in aging women. Natural
estrogen is known to help maintain normal bone density. When women age, estrogen
levels drop, making them more vulnerable to osteoporosis as phytoestrogens act
much like estrogen, taking them may stop this from happening
4. Phytoestrogen is helpful in treating Acne: Treating acne with phytoestrogens
may also be possible. The idea is that estrogen counters androgens (male
hormones), which can contribute to acne in women.
Dietary Sources of Phytoestrogen :Following are important dietary sources of
Phytoestrogen
1. Soybeans and soy products
2. Sesame seeds and oil
3. Wheat berries
4. Fenugreek
5. Oats
6. Barley
7. Beans and lentils
8. Rice
9. Apple
10. Carrots
11. Moong beans
12. Pomegranates
13. Wheat germs
14. Mints
15. Coffee
16. Fennel
17. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
18. Anise
19. Tea
20. Red Clover
21. Oranges