Phytoestrogens
What is Phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal chemicals, found in plants but are similar to human estrogens, and similar action (oestrogenic) or opposite (anti-estrogenic effect) to them. Usually found in very small amounts in foods. Their estrogenic activity is mainly due to its chemical similarity to hormones animals. The micoestrógenos have similar effects. Its relevance to nutrition research is still in effect in areas such as regulation Servicing cholesterol or bone density at menopause. Since the intake of these compounds is related to a particular eating habits, is difficult to distinguish the real cause of the positive effects. Read the rest of this entry »
Benefits Of Phytoestrogens
Many substances extracted from plants, particularly soybeans, are useful for treating disorders related to menopause
The interest of scientific research against the natural extracts of soybean is based on epidemiological observations have shown a lower incidence of climacteric disorders, breast cancer, uterine and intestinal Eastern populations whose daily diet rich in soy extracts . The soybean is a substance rich in protein (35-40%), oil (15-20%) and contains carbohydrates such as sugars and cellulose, as well as vitamins and enzymes. The abundance of commercial products based on soy
identifies the need ‘for greater clarity in the definitions used and often found on labels or informative articles.
Phytoestrogens: natural non-steroidal substances contained in plants. ‘called it because they’ have similar actions and that of the female hormones, albeit with a potency 1000-10000 times smaller. If incorporated as’ adequate, even these weak estrogens may exert an attractive and protective biological effect on our body. Very important to our health are some oils in soybeans and ‘very rich, like polyunsaturated fats such as oleic acid and linoleic acid (which play an important action antiaterogena, cholesterol lowering and antioxidant). The finding that among the Chinese and Japanese are also found a lower incidence of diseases such as osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, and a significant shortage ‘noise’ typical ‘of menopause (hot flushes, vaginal dryness, atrophy tissue), has encourage research in trying to identify mechanism of action through which soy may act accordingly. From the scientific point of view it is considered that these actions are mediated by its phytoestrogens, especially genistein and daidzein, which have a chemical conformation similar to that of oestradiol. It is believed that these substances act through a modulation effect of selective estrogen receptor (ER).
Substances rich in phytoestrogens
Many plants: alfalfa, rue, Skullcap, red clover, peppermint, sassafras, dwarf palm, yarrow, gingko, Cimicifuga racemosa. But many vegetables and fruits: soy, green rhubarb, dulcamara, sage, carrots, sweet potato, licorice, linseed, rye seeds, dill, ginseng, tea, coffee ‘, barley, oats, black cumin, tuberose, tarragon , fennel, tomatoes, buckwheat, rice, sesame, Brussels sprouts, apple, cherry, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, garlic, peas, onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, coconut, lemon, orange.
Classes of phytoestrogens
• Isoflavones, contained mainly in soybeans, soy meal, soy milk and tofu, but also in lentils, beans, peas, in the fennel in buckwheat sprouts in Brussels.
• Lignan, also present in olive oil and the sunflower, cherries, apples, pears, the sesame seeds, in wheat, barley, rice, in garlic, onions, as well as in beer and, strange to believe, in bourbon.
• Cumestani, which are extracted from red clover and fodder;
• Resorcylic acid lactones, which are however less powerful and less common in foods. Read the rest of this entry »