Estrogens are sex hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries. This process is continuous. It begins during puberty and lasts until menopause. That is, estrogens are produced throughout the woman's reproductive age. These hormones have an active effect not only on the reproductive system, but also on the whole organism. Such roundness and softness of female forms, attractive for the opposite sex, depends on the level of estrogens, they influence the formation and distribution of fat cells in the body according to the female type. Hormones are also responsible for the absorption of calcium, bone growth and even for heart rate. Therefore, a deficiency of estrogen in the body adversely affects overall health. This is especially true for women after menopause, during this period the production of such hormones in the body practically stops. In this case, phytoestrogens of plant origin will come to the rescue.
What are phytoestrogens?
These are phytohormones that are produced in plants and regulate their growth and development. Of course, such substances will not be able to completely replace natural estrogens, but they can significantly improve well-being in various cases. During menopause, phytoestrogens are especially useful for women, such substances prevent the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, prevent the leaching of calcium from bones. Under the influence of phytoestrogens, skin aging slows down, metabolic processes in the dermis are normalized, and its increased dryness and wrinkling are prevented.
Phytoestrogens in food
What foods contain the most phytoestrogens? Speaking about these substances, soy and soy products are most often mentioned. To date, soybeans - the phytoestrogen number one of all known to science. Maybe this explains the wonderful appearance of Japanese and Chinese women? And that is why in these countries the level of cardiovascular ailments is much lower than in Europe? In terms of nutritional value, soy protein is similar to the protein we get from milk and meat. But, unlike these products, soy contains virtually no cholesterol. In addition, soya lecithin improves memory and concentration. However, you should know that in some cases, the use of soy is contraindicated, namely with endocrinological diseases, diseases of the genitourinary sphere, and pregnancy.
Beans, lentils, beans, peas - all these are also products rich in phytoestrogens.
Since ancient times, it is known about the beneficial properties of flax seed, which is an excellent source of not only essential fatty acids, but also active phytoestrogens. An extract from flax seeds is used in pharmaceuticals in preparations for women, which help to soften and eliminate unpleasant menopause.
Cereals are plant phytoestrogens; wheat stands out among them. Phytohormones also contain oats, lentils, millet. In addition, bran is very useful.
Another plant that helps to maintain women's health is cabbage. All its varieties are rich in phytoestrogens, but most of all - colored and broccoli.
Seeds and nuts are also an additional source of these substances, in addition, these products are rich in protein and essential amino acids.
An invaluable source of phytohormones are dairy products. Herbivores feed on plants, therefore they produce milk rich in phytoestrogens. Also useful substances are found in sour cream and cottage cheese. But most of them are in hard cheeses. This is due to the fact that, firstly, this dairy product is made from natural milk, and secondly, many varieties of cheese contain so-called cheese mold, and these fungi themselves are a source of phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogen plants
Phytoestrogens in one form or another contain almost all plants.
Red clover
It contains plant phytoestrogens such as cumestans and isoflavanoids. Extracts and infusions of red clover are used to mitigate menopause. However, you should know that today it is not known exactly how the human body will react to the regular and prolonged use of this plant.
Alfalfa
The plant contains phytoestrogens formononetin and cumestrol. Scientists have not yet fully figured out what effect these substances have on humans.
Linen
Its seeds are a source of lignans, which, penetrating the intestines, are converted into enterolactone and enterodiol. The action of these elements is similar to the action of isoflavones.
Liquorice root
The plant contains glabridin in its composition. Today, scientists are exploring its effect on cancer cells. It is known that in low concentrations, this substance stimulates the growth of cancer, and in large quantities, glabridin suppresses it.
Red grapes
The plant contains resverantol, which is a phytoestrogen and plays the role of an antioxidant.
Hop
Contains the substance 8-prenylnaringenin - a highly active phytoestrogen. Women whose work involves harvesting or processing hops often have menstrual irregularities.
Red brush and boron uterus
It is also a phytoestrogen plant that has a powerful effect on the reproductive function of women.
Blackcurrant and raspberry leaves
In addition to a large amount of vitamin C, they contain flavanoids. After fermentation, the leaves of these plants can be used as an alternative to black tea.
Yarrow herb
The plant contains phytosterol. Yarrow infusions stimulate menstruation and strengthen blood vessels.
Shepherd's bag
A decoction of this herb helps stop bleeding.
Common cuff
Phytosterol is present in the composition. The plant tones the female body and normalizes the menstrual cycle.
Sage
The infusion of the plant helps to regulate menstruation and reduce sweating during menopause.
What medicines contain phytoestrogens?
Preparations should contain a sufficiently large amount of phytoestrogens so that the result is noticeable. Regarding the choice of medication, it is advisable to consult with a specialist. All medicines of this kind contain phytoestrogens of plant origin, the most effective of them are the following:
Klimaktoplan, Klimadinon, Remens. In the composition of these drugs there is an extract of cimicifuga. Medications are used to correct psychoemotional and vegetative-vascular disorders during menopause, as well as to normalize the menstrual cycle and fat metabolism.
Klimafen. The preparation contains phytoestrogens of hops and red clover, reduces menopausal hot flashes, osteoporotic manifestations, has an antioxidant effect, restores skin elasticity.
"Dopelherz asset menopause." The composition of the medication includes soy isoflavones, thanks to which the restructuring of the hormonal background of the body is much easier for a woman to tolerate.
"Cedar power." This is a protein-vitamin complex containing flax lignans. The action of the drug is aimed at preventing tumor processes and replenishing estrogen deficiency during menopause.
Beer makes men feminine
This alcoholic drink contains phytoestrogens of plant origin. Moreover, their number is almost the same as in soy protein. However, beer by its nature harms the body, so we are not talking about any benefits.
Most men who regularly drink this drink have prominent tummies and body fat. The reason for this is phytoestrogen, which acts like a female sex hormone.
A natural increase in body fat in women is conceived by nature, this is due to the bearing of the baby, so that in any situation he and the mother have enough nutrients. In men, the hormone testosterone should prevail, then his body will not be round, but muscular and embossed. Women should also not abuse this drink, because other health problems can also develop from it. A useful substitute for beer can be ordinary kvass, which contains malt, also rich in phytoestrogens.
The effect of phytoestrogens on the body
According to most scientists, phytoestrogens are extremely beneficial for women. They are necessary for:
prevention of cardiovascular ailments (isoflavones regulate fat metabolism);
prevention of osteoporosis (phytoestrogens contribute to the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which reduces the likelihood of bone fracture);
normalization of the psycho-emotional state (the frequency and intensity of tides is reduced, pressure is normalized, due to which sleep improves over time);
strengthening immunity (phytoestrogens have an antiviral and antimicrobial effect that protects a woman's body from infection);
prevention of cancer (regularly including soy in your diet, you can reduce the risk of developing tumors of the mammary glands, skin, colon).
You should know that in the presence of a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the activation of isoflavones in the intestine slows down, phytoestrogens in this case will not be effective. The same situation is observed with fiber deficiency and the predominance of fatty foods in the diet.
The effect of these substances on the human body is still being studied. At the moment, scientists agree that there is no reason to fear phytoestrogens included in food. But phytoestrogens, drugs must be taken with caution. And only after consultation with your doctor.